A Dundee family have launched a desperate appeal for a bone marrow donor to save their son’s life.
Seven-year-old Garvie Winter was diagnosed with leukaemia last autumn and has already had three rounds of chemotherapy.
However, the gruelling treatment has failed to put the disease into remission.
And now his family have been dealt another blow after doctors told them his rare tissue type means there are no matches available on the Anthony Nolan bone marrow donor register.
Mother Haley has now launched an online appeal to persuade as many people as possible to sign up to the charity and help them find a match for Garvie.
She said the family’s life had been turned upside down since the Fintry Primary School pupil was diagnosed in October last year.
Garvie had been feeling unwell and exhausted before doctors delivered the devastating news that he had leukaemia.
He was forced to spend Christmas in hospital because of his illness.
His mum said she was disappointed that the chemotherapy had not achieved the desired outcome. She is now pinning her hopes on finding a blood marrow donor to give them the breakthrough they need.
Haley said: “As a family we were completely distraught, but things went from bad to worse.
“He will need another round of chemo and radiotherapy to get to a level where he is able to receive a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
“We desperately need to find Garvie a match before the cancer has a chance to take hold. Every person we get to sign up to the register gives Garvie a better chance of finding a match.”
Her Facebook appeal has already been shared more than 1,000 times.
People aged 16-30 are asked to register on the Anthony Nolan page, or DKMS for those aged between 18-55.
The process involves a non-evasive swab in the mouth that is sent off for testing.
A previous online fundraising campaign set up by the family raised £3,000 to help them travel to Glasgow for treatment as well as helping them cope financially during the difficult time.
