Telford's Khaleel, 12, given new date for vital transplant

It was a dream come true for Khaleel Khan, of Telford, and his family when a donor match was found for him.

But due to an infection the original surgery date last month was cancelled.

Now the hospital team looking after him is preparing to carry out the procedure on May 3 instead, provided he is well enough.

His grandmother Tina Smart said: "A new date for transplant is May 3 as long as Khaleel remains well. He's been allowed home to have family and friends' time before he has to go into Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"We'd like to thank all doctors and nurses at the Princess Royal Hospital and the children's hospital and the stem cell team there for all their hard work, commitment and dedication in caring for Khaleel and his family. Without them and the NHS I don't know where we would all be.

"We also thank all our family, friends and members of the public for their continued support for Khaleel's Leukaemia Journey on Facebook. There is also a Go Fund Me page to help with ongoing costs of travelling and helping keep him occupied during his long stays in hospital."

Khaleel has been battling leukaemia and needs a bone marrow transplant to help his recovery. He first became unwell in 2014 and missed all of year five at school while he was being treated. He got better and went back to school, but in November 2016 he was admitted to Telford's Princess Royal Hospital with a slight temperature and the blood tests came back showing the leukaemia had come back.

His family, who live in Woodhouse Crescent, Trench, had been told there was a less than 20 per cent chance of finding a suitable match because he is mixed race. But following a campaign, in March they were given the news two potential donors had been found in Germany and in Canada.

Supporters can visit gofundme.com/khaleels-leukaemia-battle