Boy’s family in plea for help

Sep 29 2007 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

A SEVEN-year-old boy is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant and his family are appealing for a donor to come forward.

Jack Close, of South Sherburn, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, has chronic granulomatous disorder (CGD), a rare genetic condition which leaves him susceptible to infections.

The disorder means that his own cells can’t fight off everyday bacteria and fungi, so Jack can’t play near rivers or lakes or even in playgrounds that have damp bark chippings.

Parents Bryce and Laura said that Jack, a pupil at Rowlands Gill Primary School, was set for his life-saving operation in July last year, when the German donor who had been identified as a suitable match was forced to pull out of the surgery for medical reasons.

Laura, a school dinner lady, said: “We were first told he had this rare blood disorder and then he needed to find a bone marrow donor that was a perfect match.

“It was great news when we were told there was somebody. Jack kept saying he was getting his bow and arrow, which is what he calls bone marrow, but when we found the donor had pulled out, we were devastated.

“Jack needs this transplant while he is fit and well. We need to find another donor before he gets sick.”

The Close family are asking Journal readers to help. The Anthony Nolan Trust is holding a clinic on October 23 at St Barnabus Church Hall, Stirling Lane, Rowlands Gill, so that people can have a blood test and become potential donors. The sessions last from 4pm till 8pm.

Jack added: “I’m sick of the medicine and I just want to get better.”

The call to help Jack comes after The Journal launched a Join for Josie campaign to get more people to sign up to the bone marrow register.

Corbridge teenager Josie Grove, 16, lost her battle with leukaemia earlier this year after foregoing further treatment to spend time with her family.