A poorly baby who desperately needed a bone marrow transplant has been given ‘new life’ after a match was found.

Eight-month-old Hattie Platt’s family and friends rallied after receiving the devastating news in February that she has the rare blood disorder Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.

A donor recruitment day was quickly organised for Friday (April 1) in an attempt to find a suitable donor but by happy coincidence, a match had already been found and brave Harriett received her new stem cells as 72 people signed up to be donors in her honour.

Baby Hattie with parents Helen Mylott and Chris Platt
Baby Hattie with parents Helen Mylott and Chris Platt

Her delighted parents Helen Mylott and Chris Platt, from Acton Bridge, said: “Friday was so exciting, not only were we getting our baby’s new stem cells, but also all our friends and family were getting together to raise awareness and funds in Hattie’s name.

“Harriett was happy and playful when her bag of blood arrived containing her new stem cells.

“Harriett and Helen pressed the button on the pump that was the start of Harriett’s new bone marrow, new immune system and a new life.”

Thankfully, Harriett’s transplant went smoothly and there were no early reactions or temperatures.

A donor recruitment day inspired by Hattie was held on Friday (April 1)
A donor recruitment day inspired by Hattie was held on Friday (April 1)

The donor recruitment day and coffee morning at Acton Bridge Community Centre also boosted the money family and friends have raised so far in aid of the Anthony Nolan Register – which matches donors with people in desperate need – to more than £2,000.

“A huge thank you from the very bottom of my heart,” said Claudia.

“It was really a pleasure to be a part of the day and pull it all together.”

Harriett’s dad Chris will be running the Newcastle Half Marathon in September in aid of The Bubble Foundation UK and Rainbow Trust Children’s Society.