'Critical time' for sick toddler

Jim Hynes, the toddler's father, said it was a critical time

A potentially life-saving bone marrow transplant operation has been carried out in Germany on a seriously ill toddler from County Antrim.

Surgeons operated on one-year-old James Hynes, from Dundrod, on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, his parents were told nothing could be done and he had just weeks to live. The NHS agreed to fund the surgery following a campaign.

His father Jim said it was a critical time. "We've got the chance - now it's in God's hands," he said.

"We just hope it keeps everything at bay.

"We were a bit worried this morning, because he didn't seem his normal self, but within minutes of seeing us coming through the door, he just brightened up again," he said.

On Tuesday in Germany, the toddler received the bone marrow from his mother Cathy.

After doctors told them nothing could be done, James's parents found the website of a consultant in Germany who was prepared to do the operation privately.

They began a fundraising campaign and there was a massive public response.

Last month, the Eastern Health and Social Services Board decided to fund the £100,000 operation after it was deemed appropriate by doctors.

The family have been told that the operation only has a 20-30% chance of success.