Hero stem-cell donor saves brave leukaemia patient Margot Martini

21 Feb 2014 20:33

Staffordshire toddler has life-saving bone marrow transplant after match is finally found

Parents of a brave toddler battling leukaemia hailed a stem-cell donor their hero as their daughter received a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Vicky and Yaser Martini, from Essington, Staffordshire, launched a huge internet campaign to find a match for 18-month-old Margot after she was diagnosed with two types of the cancer last October.

An estimated 40,000 people have requested donor packs from charity Delete Blood Cancer since the appeal, which has been backed by celebrities Stephen Fry, Gary Barlow and former Wolves hero Steve Bull.

Margot underwent a two-hour bone marrow transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on Friday after a stem cell donor match, said to be from outside the UK, was confirmed earlier this month.

The toddler napped contentedly in her pram as the stem cells were administered via a Hickman line in her chest said dad Yaser.

This young chap has done this selfless and benevolent thing. Frankly, he is my hero, he added.

I am watching it as it happens. It is quite something.

Margot Martini, with her brothers Rufus and Oscar, her dad Yaser and mum Vicky

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Hero stem-cell donor saves brave leukaemia patient Margot Martini