Dad's a perfect match to be a life-saver for his son

A SWANSEA family whose seven-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening blood disorder are speaking about how a stem cell match from his father helped save him.

- IAN LEWIS

Jasper Hodgson-Smith's cure came from his dad Matt - a perfect stem cell match - and now the family are sharing their story to coincide National Blood Donor Week (June 9 to 15), with the hope of encouraging others to consider helping patients in need of blood donations.

After spending his early years in and out of hospital, Jasper was diagnosed with the rare blood disorder Activated PI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS); he is the only known child with this condition in Wales, and one of an estimated 35 patients in the whole of the UK.

It is a rare primary immunodeficiency, caused by mutations in the certain genes responsible for producing a protein which is crucial for white blood cell function.

These mutations lead to impaired immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections and other complications.

Discussing his diagnosis, Jasper's mother, Sophie said: "From eight months old, Jasper exhibited numerous symptoms, including lethargy, persistent high temperatures, and a lack of appetite.