A family from Eastbourne, East Sussex, is urgently seeking a stem cell donor for their 13-year-old daughter, Millie Fairley, who was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia shortly after her birthday. The rare blood disorder affects approximately two in every million people in the UK, leaving her bone marrow unable to produce enough new blood cells.
Millie's symptoms began with headaches, bruising, and fainting spells. After her GP ordered blood tests, her mother noticed a rash and took her to A&E. Further tests at King's College Hospital in London confirmed the diagnosis. Millie now receives regular treatment at Brighton Royal Children's Hospital and must isolate at home or in hospital to avoid infections.
Her mother, Hayley Fairley, 47, described the diagnosis as a 'horrible shock' that changed their lives overnight. 'My little girl should be starting teenage life, but she’s so vulnerable that she has to isolate... She can’t see her friends, and it’s been a really lonely time for her,' she said.
Medics have told the family that Millie needs a stem cell transplant, but no family member was a match. The Fairleys are now working with blood cancer charity DKMS to encourage more people to register as donors. DKMS spokesperson Bronagh Hughes said joining the register is simple, involving a health questionnaire and mouth swabs, and could give patients like Millie a second chance at life.
