Second transplant planned for boy with rare condition

Gunner has already had one stem cell transplant

A four-year-old Shropshire boy has gone into isolation to await his second stem cell transplant for a rare genetic condition.

Gunner, from Bridgnorth, has Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), a disease causing numerous physical abnormalities and reduced life expectancy.

He had his first transplant when he was 18 months old.

That is now showing signs of failing, his family said, so Gunner will have another operation before Christmas.

His mum Holly said: "We were in shock because from the outside he looks great, so there were no real signs for us that there was something wrong.

"It's just disbelief, to be honest."

The four-year-old's condition means he cannot break down his body's natural sugars and they start to be stored in his brain and organs, putting them at risk.

His mother said the transplant, of blood contained in a donated umbilical cord, would help Gunner's body build natural sugars to protect him from brain damage.

Gunner is due back in hospital on 11 December

Gunner's first operation in 2021 was delayed while a donor was found but this time a donated umbilical cord was found within days of the new diagnosis.

"When we got the news that it was failing but backed up with 'we have a donor, it's in the UK and we're essentially ready to go', it was incredible," Holly told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"I was very emotional, very thankful, very grateful."

The treatment process was simplified as there were fewer Covid restrictions compared to the first transplant.

Although Gunner and his mother were isolating away from the rest of the family, they have been able to stay at home rather than in hospital.

But they will be in hospital for Christmas, they said.

"Our family will be separate for Christmas, so I've got lots of things to get sorted before we go," said Holly.

However, she said Gunner was unaware: "He's just enjoying one-on-one time with me."