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Jasper, a 12-year-old boy battling sickle cell disease, is back home just in time for Christmas after receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his sister in India
A schoolboy whose life the Mirror helped save was back home in time for Christmas.
Jasper Makungu, who has sickle cell disease, flew 4,000 miles from a clinic in India where he had received a bone marrow transplant from his sister Mercy, 17. He was back just in time to celebrate Christmas as well as his 12th birthday. The Mirror teamed up with blood cancer charity DKMS to send Jasper, Mercy and their mum Carol to Bangalore from their home in Kabwe, Zambia. Jasper had regular check-ups following the transplant.
Now, after 10 months in India, he is full of energy and is enjoying the festive season without needing any hospital visits. Carol, 44, a teacher, said: “He is so excited. He just wants to see his dad and enjoy being at home again. We appreciate everything that you have done for us.
“The hospital staff were there for us whenever we needed them and Jasper’s blood levels are fine now. He kept saying, ‘Mummy, let’s pack now!’ I have not been able to celebrate Christmas before because we were always in hospital for Jasper’s treatment. This will be our first Christmas at home, and I can’t wait.”
Jasper’s medical team say he is doing well and needs only minimal immune-suppression medication. A spokesman added: “The medicines required for the next six months have been packed and supplied to the family. We wish Jasper a very happy homegoing in time for his 12th birthday and many more happy Christmases.”
His dad Jackson, 47, told the Mirror: “He will be indoors for a while. We are so grateful that he is better.” He thanked the doctors and nurses in India, DKMS and the Mirror for saving Jasper’s life.
Mercy, who would like to be a nurse, had bone marrow removed from her hip so it could given to Jasper, who turned 12 on December 20. Rakesh Dhanya, CEO of the Sankalp India Foundation, where he was treated, will monitor his progress with regular blood tests. Jasper’s journey began in Kabwe, known as the most toxic town on earth.
In September 2022, the Mirror met with his dad Jackson at a lead mine close to their home. He was digging for the metal, which sells for 68p per bag, to feed his family. He told us of the tragic loss of his first son Jackson Jr to sickle cell disease at five years old, and the need to treat Jasper. We enlisted the help of DKMS.
UK spokeswoman Deborah Hyde said: “Without a stem cell transplant, children like Jasper who have life-threatening blood disorders, will not survive their childhoods. “In countries like Zambia, this treatment is not available. Patients have to travel abroad, which is often beyond their means. This gives children like Jasper the chance of a healthy future.”
Worldwide, DKMS has more than 12 million potential blood stem cell donors, and has given more than 110,000 people second chances at life. But only 3% of the UK’s population are registered as potential donors. And only a tiny proportion are from minority ethnic communities.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition affecting around 17,000 people in the UK. The sickle-shaped cells clog blood vessels and harm organs. Some victims die in childhood or have regular painful episodes.
You can join the DKMS register if you are aged 17 to 55 and in reasonably good health. See dkms.org.uk.
