A SCHOOL is helping a boy who has been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.
The primary school, which four-year-old Riley Mulvany is due to attend in September, is holding a bone marrow donor clinic to find a match to the youngster and, potentially, to other people waiting for treatment.
Riley suffers from chronic granlomatus disorder, a condition which affects his ability to fight infection and which will force him to spend his life in and out of hospital if a match cannot be found.
His parents, Aimee Watson and Paul Mulvany, launched an appeal to get people to register as donors after a match could not be found in the family.
Now Whinfield Primary School, in Darlington, has offered to host a bone marrow donor clinic on Wednesday, June 6, run by the Anthony Nolan Trust charity.
Headteacher Sheila Williams said the school, which Riley's sister, Leona, seven, attends, had been more than happy to help when the trust got in touch.
"When we realised we had one of our own children in need of a bone marrow transplant, we decided to do something. Leona is in the school and Riley is due to start in September, so it's the least we could do.
"I hope we get a really good turnout."
Riley was diagnosed with the genetic condition - which affects only one in 250,000 people - in February. He has had three operations and has been in Newcastle General Hospital since his diagnosis because of infection and massive weight loss.
Riley's grandfather, Paul, said: "It is not just for Riley, it is for anyone who needs a donor."
About 7,000 people in the UK are relying on the Anthony Nolan Trust to find bone marrow donors. To join the register, people must be between 18 and 40, fit and in good health and weigh more than eight stones.
The donor session at the school, in Augusta Close, is from 4pm to 7pm.
For more information on how to register as a donor, log on to www.anthonynolan.org.uk or call 0207-284-1234
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