CLASSMATES are rallying round in support of a young Durham Cathedral chorister who has suffered sudden liver failure.

Twelve-year-old Bryant Hackett underwent a potentially life-changing bone marrow transplant today (Wednesday, May 8).

In support, his Chorister School house mistress Rachel Faulkner-Walford had her shoulder-length black hair shaved off.

Afterwards, she said: “It feels breezy. But I’m glad I did it.”

Bryant, the school’s deputy head chorister, suffered acute liver failure in October, as a result of an unknown strain of hepatitis.

Following treatment in Leeds General Infirmary, he began to recover and started to return to classes in November.

But in January medics discovered he had aplastic anaemia, a serious bone marrow disease. His health further deteriorated in April after he contracted pneumonia.

Thankfully, a bone marrow donor match was found in Germany.

But before a transplant could take place, Bryant, from Sunderland, had to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Mrs Faulkner-Walford, 38, said: “He was worried about losing his hair.

“But we talked about it. I told him he had nothing to be frightened about and if he would do it, I would have my head shaved.”

The transplant was carried out at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) today. It is too early to say how well it has gone.

Bryant is certain to have to take medication for some time.

But his friends, relatives and school colleagues hope he will eventually make a full recovery.

Mrs Faulkner-Walford, who has known him for four years, said: “He’s adorable. He has the ability to bring calm to a situation.

“He’s got a great sense of humour and he’s great fun to be around. We dearly miss him.

“Our boarding house is not the same without Bryant’s smiles and sense of humour.”

Mrs Faulkner-Walford is raising money for three charities.

Donations made through the Chorister School, by calling 0191-384-2935, will be split between the RVI and the Anthony Nolan Trust, which runs a bone marrow donor register, while donations made online at justgiving.com/Rachel-Faulkner-Walford will go to The Aplastic Anaemia Trust.