Telford schoolboy Khaleel recovering after life-saving transplant

He received the treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital after months of chemotherapy and a global hunt for a suitable match.

The 12-year-old Telford Priory School pupil, who is being treated for leukaemia, has been sitting up in bed as he recovers on a ward.

His family posted on the Khaleel's Leukaemia Journey Facebook page: "This brave little soldier has found his beautiful smile again. Keep up the fight Khaleel, Khaleel's army is behind you. Thank you all for your ongoing support, it is really appreciated xxxxxxx."

The hospital's consultant paediatric haematologist and clinical lead for stem cell transplant Dr Sarah Lawson said: "The search for a stem cell donor for Khaleel was successful and the procedure was carried out last week.

"Although we’re still currently early in the recovery process we are pleased and positive. It is expected that Khaleel will be with us for around six to eight weeks as he continues to recover, which is usual.

“Stories like Khaleel’s highlight just how important it is for people to come forward and register to donate blood stem cells and bone marrow, particularly those from minority ethnic and mixed race backgrounds as the pool of potential matches is much smaller.

“Testing is simple but signing up means they could potentially save a life.”