Fresh appeal to find donor

Caitlin says she just wants her bone marrow to get better

The family of a six-year-old girl who needs a bone marrow transplant are making a fresh appeal in their search for a donor.

Caitlin Behan, from Weston Favell, Northamptonshire, has a rare form of anaemia which means a single bruise could prove fatal.

Fanconi anaemia affects bone marrow, stopping the blood from fighting infections and preventing clotting.

"Sometimes I fall over without knowing something's there," said Caitlin.

"I come home with a big bruise on me not knowing where it's come from."

I have to find a match to help my bone marrow get better Caitlin Behan

To have a chance at a normal life Caitlin desperately needs a bone marrow transplant.

Last month 300 potential donors came forward to be tested at a special clinic but no match was found.

A second clinic for people to become a bone marrow donor is being held at Saints' Rugby Club in Northampton on Wednesday night.

Caitlin will be there.

"I have to find a match to help my bone marrow get better. I really just hope I will get out of hospital," she said.

'Nothing else'

Caitlin's father Mark, a Northamptonshire police sergeant, said: "Caitlin desperately needs a bone marrow transplant, ideally within the next six to 12 months, nothing else will cure her.

"I hope people will be able to help."

The tests will run from 1600 to 2000 GMT.

Volunteers, who need to be aged between 18 and 40, will be asked to fill in a questionnaire and speak to someone from the Anthony Nolan Trust before having a blood test.

Patients who have Fanconi anaemia are also more susceptible to leukaemia and cancer.