A BRAVE little boy who underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant has inspired a collection for the charity that found his donor.

Peter Dunnington-Waters from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was diagnosed with the blood disease plastic anaemia last September and his family was told he would need a bone marrow transplant to survive.

Thankfully, the Anthony Nolan Trust blood cancer charity found Peter, 11, a donor and a transplant operation was carried out in November.

Friends and relatives have rallied around the family, including the Co-operative Funeral Care in Darlington, where Peter’s father Phil Dunnington Water works.

The company has donated the £242.39 collected at its Christmas Memorial Concert to the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Manager Jenette Sisson said: “We hold a memorial concert every Christmas and the staff choose which charity to collect for.

"Phil works for us and we are all aware of what the family have been through and the fundraising they have done for Anthony Nolan.

"We are delighted to make this donation.”

Since undergoing the operation on November 28, Peter has made excellent progress and was even able to spend Christmas with his family after being released from hospital a week ahead of schedule.

His mother, Helen Dunnington-Waters, said she was overwhelmed by the support they have had.

“It is so lovely of Co-operative Funeral Care to donate this money,” she said. “The fact so many people have taken an interest in us and the charity has made such a difference.”

For more information visit anthonynolan.org