Students offer their help 'spit spot' in the fight against cancer (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Darlington College students offer support for Newton Aycliffe bone marrow donor

4:09pm Wednesday 28th November 2012 in News By Hannah Bryan, Reporter (Darlington)

AN 11-year-old’s fight against blood disease has inspired students to offer their help in the global fight against cancer.

Peter Dunnington-Waters, of Newton Aycliffe, has been found a perfect bone marrow match from an American donor thanks to the work of national charity Anthony Nolan.

He will undergo stem cell treatment and a bone marrow transplant in Newcastle this week for aplastic anaemia, which he was diagnosed with in September.

Staff and students at Darlington College were quick to help as his mother, Helen Dunnington-Waters, and her daughter Jenny Ingham set up a test station at the college with the help of Anthony Nolan volunteers.

They donated samples of saliva which will go into the Anthony Nolan database and could help blood disease sufferers from across the globe.

Miss Ingham said: “It started when bruises appeared on Peter’s legs and body; he felt poorly and went yellow. He ended up going to hospitals at Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Newcastle, where he was diagnosed with this life threatening condition.

“Peter is amazing; even though he is poorly he doesn’t want anyone to know and just wants to get on with his life.”

His mother, Ms Dunnington-Waters, added: “People have been so kind, it’s overwhelming and the college has been great. It restores your faith in human kindness.”

Darlington College tutor Mike Chapman took part in event and encouraged his students to follow suit.

“We were only too pleased to help. Giving a saliva sample was easy and if we do get the call for bone marrow the procedure isn’t painful and could save a life,” he said.

The family are also raising money for the charity, to donate visit justgiving.com/JTPsavealife

For more information on becoming a donor, visit anthonynolan.org