Cancer girl is home after surgery

Anna is now back at home with her brother Joe

A seven-year-old girl whose need for a bone marrow transplant prompted hundreds of people to help is recovering well after the operation.

It is five weeks since Anna Culshaw, from Carrog in Denbighshire, received treatment for a rare form of cancer.

She is expected to make a full recovery.

Three donor matches were found for Anna after hundreds attended a series of clinics which were held in the area, including one at her school.

Earlier this year, Anna was diagnosed with myelodisplasia, a condition which prevents her bone marrow making enough red blood cells.

In April, the Anthony Nolan Trust organised clinics at Ysgol Caer Drewyn in Corwen and at the Coedpoeth bakery where Anna's mother works.

The transplant operation took place in Liverpool

She underwent the transplant at Liverpool's Alder Hey hospital and is now back at home with her parents, who are delighted with her progress.

"It has been really good since she came home," said her dad, Eddie Culshaw.

"She has been quite well - things have gone really well and she has got used to being at home."

He added that the family was keeping an eye on cleanliness in the house. "We have got to be quite diligent in kitchens and bathrooms and the amount of people Anna comes into contact with - it is trying to limit the risk of infection."

'Pleased'

Her case has also had a lasting effect elsewhere, with Anna inspiring two men to embark on a four-day 90-mile sponsored walk from Porthcawl to the Brecon Jazz festival.

Nick Horton was inspired to sign up as a potential donor

Nick Horton and friend Dave Murphy said raising money for the Anthony Nolan trust was the least they could do.

Mr Horton, who saw Anna's case when it was on BBC news programme Wales Today, said: "The story made me sit down and think for about 20 minutes and I decided straight away that I should become a potential bone marrow donor.

"I was disappointed when I wasn't a donor for little Anna, but was very pleased she subsequently found a match.

"We decided to use this walk to publicise the need for more people to get on the register."