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Wakefield brother's Down Under lifesaving second dash
A Wakefield man is set to fly across the globe again to save his sister after she developed cancer a second time.
John Wootton, 69, flew to Australia in June 2009 to donate bone marrow to his sister Hazel McCaig, 66, who was suffering from acute leukaemia.
The transplant appeared to have worked, but just over a week ago Mr Wootton was contacted to say the leukaemia had returned and his sister was in desperate need of a second transplant.
Mr Wootton, of St John's Square, said: "After the transplant things were going fine.
"A couple of months ago her count dropped again but the doctors had expected that, for it to level off. But a week ago she went for a check up and doctors found it had failed. It was such a shock."
Mr Wootton will fly out on September 20.
He said: "This time round it's going to be a lot different – 14 months in medicine is a long time. Last time they took my bone marrow, froze it for three weeks, and then treated it.
"This time it will be given straight to her, and the doctors think it will have a better chance of being accepted.
"But we've also been told Hazel can only have this one more time – so the pressure is really on for it to work."
Doctors have told Mrs McCaig if the transplant is unsuccessful she could have just 12 months to live.
Mr Wootton's son Jonny, 37, has arranged a fundraising night at The Space on Waldorf Way.
The evening will feature rugby stars Jason Demetriou and Nick Fozzard as well as musical entertainment, a pie and pea supper, disco and auction.
The event takes place on September 10, and tickets can be purchased by contacting 01924 331 700 or visit www eventsinthespace.co.uk for more information.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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