Robert (9) gifts Edward (5) his bone marrow for Christmas
POSTED December 28, 2010 - 16:19 | POSTED BY Yashika kapoor
Last edited by Jaspreet Virk on December 28, 2010 - 17:21
Five-year-old Edward has a rare blood disorder called aplastic anaemia and doctors said that he would not live for many years unless his parents could find a possible donor.
This was when a blood test confirmed that the elder brother could donate his bone marrow and he was ready right away.
Brotherly love
Robert, 9, loves Edward dearly and wants to play with him. He said, 'I'm looking forward to helping my brother and I don't feel too scared. This is my special Christmas present for him. When I told my class at school what I was doing the teachers started to cry.”
“I want Edward to get better so we can play together without him getting hurt. That's my dream,” quipped the brave boy.
The bone marrow transplantation would take place on Jan. 7 at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
Proud parents
Mother Susan Sherwood and father Kelly Sherwood are proud of Robert and are right now preparing both the boys for the big surgery early next month, which will give Edward a new life.
Susan revealed, “Robert and Edward are like typical brothers. They love each other to bits and play-fight when they get a chance to wind each other up. This is the best present that Edward could ever have and it's even more special because it's from his older brother. The gift could lead to Edward being totally cured.”
“Everybody is so proud that Robert stood up and offered to have the operation. He's a true hero. They are both beautiful little angels who would do anything for each other. Edward was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in July after weeks of suffering from dizziness, pale skin and weakness,” she informed.
The mother said that everyday their 5-year-old soon has to take a cocktail of life-saving medication and she was happy that he would be a normal and healthy child again.
Edward will under chemotherapy for 5 days before the operation.
Sarah Vaccari, a spokesman for Oxford Children's Hospital, said, “We would all like to wish Edward and Robert every success with the forthcoming operation and thank the family for their support.”
