- against the odds

By NICK HALLISSEY

A FAMILY has signed up to help poorly Sam Burgess - one year after their own close brush with leukaemia.

The Beardmores, of Meadow Lane, Moulton, first appeared in the Guardian last year, after 10-year-old Stephanie received a bone marrow transplant from her little brother, Elliot.

The story was a remarkable one, because the odds against one family member being a bone marrow match for another are remote.

This week, Stephanie's mum Rosemary sent a message of hope to Sam, also 10, who still hasn't found a donor.

Rosemary said: "I have signed up to the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow register, because I'm very aware that there are other families who haven't been as lucky as we were.

"Sam is obviously a local case who highlights that, so I want to wish him all the best."

Sam suffers from Schwachman's Syndrome, a rare bone marrow disorder which can lead to leukaemia. And while Stephanie's case was different, Rosemary says the two have a lot in common.

"I haven't even met Sam, but he's about the same age as Stephanie, and like Elliot he has an older sister," she added.

Stephanie's recovery since her treatment has been swift, and has brought smiles to everyone who knows her.

Rosemary added: "She went straight back to school as soon as she could, but she had a wonderful time playing with Elliot for the months after the operation.

"She got right back into the thick of things, and now she's looking forward to starting at Leftwich High School in September."

Rosemary joined the bone marrow register at a special one-day clinic last week at The Drill Field, home of Sam's heroes, Northwich Vics. She says she would encourage anyone else to do the same.

"I may not be a match, but if I can help the trust to find other donors, it will be worth it," she added.

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