Story By: James King, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

A little boy whose parents were told he would not live to see Christmas has survived after doctors discovered that, against all the odds, a stem cell donation reported to have had no effect had suddenly started working – and cured his leukaemia.

The little lad named Justus, aged 8, fell ill with leukaemia in October 2020.

Doctors launched an urgent appeal to find a donor, and a genetic match was found. However, despite the donation being made – it appeared not to have worked, and medics treating the child in the German city of Bremen said there was nothing else they could do.

Justus was sent home, and his parents were told to expect him weakening and that he would not survive. But instead of weakening, he appeared to be getting stronger all the time, prompting a return visit to hospital, where doctors were amazed to find that, silently, the stem cell transplant had apparently been working – and had cured his leukaemia.

His mother Telja Fanrich, aged 38, said: “My son became more active and agile instead of weaker, and he was not like somebody who was getting ready to leave the Earth.”

The doctors were amazed to find that the boy, who had undergone a bone marrow transplant, had survived.

Earlier, his mother had spoken of her frustration after being told that the transplant had not worked, saying: “When he was finally discharged from the hospital after months over the summer, the doctors had no hope. They provided him with a palliative care team and told us he would leave us soon.”

They said it was the best Christmas present ever to get the news, which even amazed the doctors after the donor cells apparently tackled the leukaemia and he was cured.

His mum said that Justus is now back at school, can even ride a bike again, and can hardly wait for an illness-free Christmas to enjoy.

He has one special wish for next Christmas: he wants to meet the donor who saved his life to thank them.