My son Louie received the devastating diagnosis of Very Severe Aplastic Anaemia in November 2022. Our precious healthy, happy kid was suddenly terribly ill. Our world turned on its head. 

He's missed a year of school, his friends and family whilst shielding, before and after his transplant in March 2023. Countless nights in hospital, community nurse visits, infections, pneumonia, dressing changes, blood draws, general anaesthetics for bone marrow biopsies, hours receiving blood and platelet transfusions to keep him alive, injections to stimulate white cells and so much more.

Unfortunately, Louie's numbers haven't recovered how we'd hoped following his transplant and he's still suffering and fighting for healthy marrow, and the happy and free childhood he so deserves. 

Throughout this time the AA charity have provided advice and support to us in a very lonely, misunderstood world of Aplastic Anaemia (no - eating broccoli won't solve this!). We've also met some lovely fellow members online through this organisation who really do pull together, to help where they can. I'm grateful for them all.

My husband Fabio, Dad Dave, brother Steve and sister-in-law Sammie couldn't wait to join me for the freezing cold dip 😆 Help us raise some money for this lovely charity and some awareness of this dreadful disease. 

Why we're raising funds for The Aplastic Anaemia Trust 

Before Louie got sick he LOVED swimming in the sea. This opportunity seems ideal for our family. I'd love to raise some money for this fantastic charity who has supported us through this really tough time. 

The community on Facebook and support provided have made our family feel less alone in a very scary AA world. 

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by aplastic anaemia and funding research into this rare form of bone marrow failure.

By donating you'll be....

Funding Research
This year The AAT will be investigating new treatment options, that could offer hope to more people, and improve quality of life for patients and their families. 

Providing support

• Provide a young child with a story book that explains what aplastic anaemia is and what they can expect from a long stay in hospital - making the long and difficult treatment less frightening.
• Make sure there is always some one on the end of the phone. Having someone to talk to who understands, who you don't have to explain your condition to again and again. The AAT hotline ensures no one is alone.

Vicky Tassari