Family in plea to save ill daughter

THE family of a six-year-old girl in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant have made an emotional appeal for people to attend blood testing sessions to try to find a potential donor.

Caitlin Behan is suffering from a rare condition called Fanconi's Anaemia, a potentially fatal disease which prevents the bone marrow from producing blood cells normally.

There is no other cure for the condition other than a bone marrow transplant and it is possible she will die if a match is not found soon.

Caitlin's father Mark, a sergeant with Northamptonshire Police, said it was essential she had a transplant as soon as possible.

"She desperately needs a bone marrow transplant ideally within the next six to 12 months, nothing else will cure her," he said.

"I'm sure there is a donor out there."

Caitlin was first diagnosed in August as having a plastic anaemia which was finalised as Fanconi's Anaemia in October.

She has a rare tissue type which is proving an obstacle to finding a suitable donor. Low blood platelet levels cause easy bruising and leave her open to infections.

"That was how we first realised there was a problem," said Mr Behan.

Caitlin recently returned from hospital where she underwent a blood transfusion after picking such an infection.

"Thankfully, it was the first time she got a minor infection and things like that affect her adversely. We have to take everything seriously, like a cut or a headache.

"She is becoming increasingly conscious that she becomes ill but she is tough as old boots, she's a great girl. She's had all sorts of problems and she's really battled back and put up with all the different procedures.

"I don't want her to think we are watching her every move but whenever she goes to a party or does anything physical, we are always on edge.

"Her condition is serious and we need to find a donor, but we are thankful that at the moment, she is healthy and leading the life of a normal six-year-old girl.

"We are appealing for healthy people to volunteer to undergo a blood test to see if their bone marrow would be suitable."

More than 1,000 people have taken the test at three public surgeries but no match has been found.

Caitlin, who lives with mother Bernadette and father Mark in the village of Weston Favell, Northants, currently visits Northampton General Hospital and the Birmingham Children's Hospital, where her health and blood composition are monitored.

The Anthony Nolan Trust has already held a special clinic at Police Headquarters in Northampton for staff to submit to a blood test and more than 400 people responded within the first few days.

Detective Inspector Neil McMahon, from Northampton CID, is a friend and work colleague of Mark Behan.

He said: "Caitlin's family have been thrilled at the response of local people so far who have turned up for a blood test to see if they are a suitable bone marrow match. Unfortunately, we are still looking for that match and are appealing for more people to come along to the surgery in Daventry on January 6 to be tested, for the sake of little Caitlin."

Mr Behan said he was "overwhelmed" by the number of colleagues who came forward to offer their help. He added: "I would like to appeal for other members of the public to come forward and help. Even if they are not a suitable donor for Caitlin, there are many other people out there desperate for this kind of help."