A Wisbech mum is on a mission to encourage more people to become blood donors and to sign up for the Anthony Nolan charity's stem cell register - after her son received life-saving treatment.
Terri Betts has set up a Facebook group called 'Jensen's Story' where she also hopes to raise awareness of the rare condition Aplastic Anaemia.
The move comes after Terri's only son, seven-year-old Jensen, was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition in May.
Terri and Jensen's dad, Ben Hurcumb, has been keeping a bedside vigil at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where Jensen has been undergoing life-saving treatment, including a stem cell transplant.
Terri said his symptoms persisted, and he lost his appetite and was sleeping excessively.
A call to NHS 111 saw the family heading to A&E, where Jensen underwent blood tests and a thorough examination, which saw him admitted to the children's ward.
The next day, he was transferred to Addenbrooke's for a bone marrow procedure as doctors suspected he had leukaemia.
"We had to wait for further results for the confirmation, and he was diagnosed in May with severe Aplastic Anaemia. It was devastating news."
The diagnosis meant Jensen's bone marrow was not producing enough blood cells to keep his body healthy - his immune system was failing.
From then on, he needed blood and platelet transfusions at least once a week, sometimes twice a week, to keep him going while he waited for a stem cell treatment.
RECOMMENDED READING: Go-ahead for new house on garden despite 'over-development' fears
Jensen had to endure seven days of conditioning chemotherapy treatment, which saw his immune system wiped out, ready for the transplant, which he underwent two weeks ago.
"We have no idea who the man is who gave the stem cells, but we are so profoundly grateful to him. He has literally saved Jensen's life.
"It means that Jensen has a new lease of life, and I cannot begin to express the depth of our gratitude - it makes me emotional to think about it. I can't imagine my life without Jensen in it," said Terri.
"I donated blood for the first time in August and will continue to do so. I also aspire to donate platelets if I am eligible and will be joining the stem cell donor register as well.
Thank you to every donor, NHS blood donation centres, stem cell donors, and all involved. Each and every one of you is a superhero in my eyes."
Jensen may be well enough to leave hospital next week, but he will not be coming home to Wisbech, instead, his family will move into special accommodation at the Addenbrooke's site so he can be monitored while he continues his recovery.
He may still need blood and platelet transfusions to bolster his system while the stem cell graft grows.
It could be at least another month before he is allowed home, and hopefully, he will then be able to join his classmates at the Orchards Academy sometime next year.
You can join the Anthony Nolan register through the charity's website.
To become a blood donor, look out for the regular donation sessions run by the NHS Blood Donation.
You can follow Jensen's progress via the Jensen's Story Facebook page.
Share