Stem cell transplant ‘only chance’ for eight-year-old with blood cancer

A family whose lives were “thrown out of balance” by their eight-year-old’s cancer diagnosis are seeking a stem cell donor in a bid to save his life.

Bobby Browne, from County Armagh in Northern Ireland, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in May 2022.

ALL, a type of fast-developing blood cancer, causes immature white cells to clog bone marrow, stopping it from creating healthy blood cells.

Prior to his illness, Bobby was an active boy who loved swimming and football, and is a massive Manchester United fan.

After chemotherapy failed, Bobby underwent innovative CAR-T therapy last November, which involves taking a patient’s T-cells and genetically modifying them to find and kill cancer.

However, in February 2023, Bobby’s family was told the therapy had failed and a stem cell transplant was the only chance of a cure.

Bobby is in isolation due to his weakened immune system and is unable to go to school or see friends.

His older sister Melissa said: “Finding out Bobby has blood cancer has thrown our world out of balance. We were so happy that the CAR-T treatment had worked initially, but hearing that it had left Bobby’s body too early was devastating.”

Bobby’s family is now working with blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan on the Bobby Needs A Hero campaign in a bid to encourage people to sign up to the stem cell donor register.

Melissa added: “No one deserves this, especially not an eight-year-old. If you’re able to sign up, please consider becoming a stem cell donor to give people like Bobby a second chance. If you have the opportunity to potentially save a life, take it.”

Henny Braund, chief executive of Anthony Nolan, added: “Finding Bobby a donor would be life-changing for him and his family.

“We are committed to supporting them as they wait for news of a donor who could save his life.

“If you’re aged 16-30, in good health, you could give hope to someone like Bobby by joining the Anthony Nolan register today.”