Sporty schoolboy, 10, seeks 'second chance of life' - with a little help from the Mirror

A 10-year-old boy named Henry Teare is seeking a second chance at life after being diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. The illness struck during his training for a school triathlon, leaving him critically ill and dependent on regular blood transfusions. His parents, Alison and Peter, described the moment they discovered his condition as one of profound shock and disbelief. Henry’s health began deteriorating rapidly. Initially, his symptoms were attributed to his physical activity level, but concerns grew when he showed signs of extreme fatigue and pallor. After experiencing difficulty breathing and dizziness following exercise, his parents took him to an emergency department. There, doctors found dangerously low haemoglobin and platelet levels, along with a heart murmur caused by the lack of red blood cells. That evening, Henry was rushed to the High Dependency Unit and received an emergency blood transfusion. He was subsequently transferred to London for a bone marrow biopsy, which revealed he had severe aplastic anaemia, a condition in which the body fails to produce sufficient blood cells. Severe aplastic anaemia is a serious condition requiring ongoing medical intervention. Henry now relies on frequent visits to the hospital for monitoring and blood transfusions. Despite his dire situation, his parents noted his remarkable resilience and positive outlook. He has continued to engage with his treatment, even assisting the nursing staff with his own blood collection. His mother, Alison, emphasized that Henry has never expressed bitterness over his illness, instead approaching each challenge with determination. The Mirror has previously collaborated with the charity DKMS to assist children in need of stem cell donations. Last year, the newspaper played a key role in helping another young boy, Leo Sproson, find a donor. This effort is now extending to Henry, with the hope that a matching donor can provide him with a potentially life-saving transplant. The campaign has also included past successes such as saving Jasper Makungu, a 12-year-old from Zambia, who traveled thousands of miles for treatment and is now recovering at home. DKMS spokesperson Bronagh Hughes highlighted the simplicity of becoming a stem cell donor. She explained that the registration process involves answering a few questions and completing a brief, painless mouth swab test. While most individuals who join the registry will never be asked to donate, those who are matched have a high likelihood of undergoing a non-invasive procedure. Donors receive comprehensive support throughout the process. The Mirror’s Change the Law for Life campaign has been instrumental in promoting organ donation in England. Launched in memory of Max Johnson, a 17-year-old who survived a critical illness, and Keira Ball, a nine-year-old who tragically lost her life in a car accident, the initiative led to the introduction of an opt-out system for organ donation in May 2020. This campaign underscores the importance of public participation in life-saving initiatives.