DOCTORS have been amazed by the progress of a young boy with a rare genetic condition who underwent a life-saving operation just 20 days ago.

Tests have revealed that four-year-old Riley Mulvany, who had a bone marrow transplant three weeks ago, is recovering two times faster than normal, and doctors say he may even be allowed home early if he continues to make good progress.

The Darlington youngster was born with chronic granulomatous disorder (CGD), which affects his body's ability to fight infection.

Riley's case prompted hundreds of people in the town to become bone marrow donors after his family approached The Northern Echo to help them find a match.

Although some people wait years for a bone marrow match, the Anthony Nolan Trust found a donor for Riley three months after his diagnosis.

He underwent the transplant in Newcastle General Hospital at the beginning of the month. Since then, he has lived in a bubble around his hospital bed keeping him free from infection until his natural resistance builds.

Doctors have also been keeping a close eye to ensure his body does not reject the new marrow.

His father, Paul, said everyone was thrilled with Riley's recovery.

His son's white blood cells are now working and are at a level that is normally seen about six weeks after a transplant.

"The poor lad has been through the mill, but he is doing really well," he said. "He is being fed through a tube from 7pm to 8am, but the doctors are planning to stop that and get him eating and drinking himself.

"If he does that successfully, he could be home in three weeks which would be the quickest result ever."

Riley has suffered from poor health since birth, contracting illnesses including MRSA and shingles.

After his parents noticed some lumps in his neck, they took him to Darlington PCT's Walk-in Centre.

He was referred immediately to his GP and then a paediatrician and specialists at Newcastle General, where he was diagnosed with CGD.

The transplant is Riley's only chance of a cure - without it he would have faced a life in and out of hospital.

While Riley is in hospital, Mr Mulvany and Riley's mother, Aimee Watson, are taking it turns to keep a 24-hour vigil at his side.

Mr Mulvany said: "It's quite hard work. For instance, my mother has got a bad cold at the moment and I'm trying to keep away as I don't want to catch it and pass it on to Riley.

"But this latest news is brilliant; it's brightened my day and it will be all worth it in the end."