25/08/2026
When Nancy's haemoglobin drops too low, she turns blue and is completely wiped out. But as soon as she's had a blood transfusion, she bounces back, full of energy.
Five-year-old Nancy, from West Sussex, was diagnosed with liver failure in 2025 and spent around six weeks in hospital. She was also diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia, a rare condition where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough blood cells.
Nancy has been receiving ATG (anti-thymocyte globulin) treatment in hospital. If it's unsuccessful, she may need a bone marrow transplant.
Nancy has already received around two plasma transfusions while being treated for liver failure. Since her aplastic anaemia diagnosis, she has gone on to receive more than 50 platelet transfusions, 18 red blood cell transfusions, and a further plasma transfusion.
Her mum, Rebecca, explains what it means to see her daughter after a transfusion:
"As soon as the red blood's in, it's like she's bounced back, full of energy. She will say, 'I'm full of energy now. I've had my red blood.' She knows it comes from other people, and she always says it's very kind that they've helped her."
Nancy hasn't been able to attend school since her diagnosis. But outside of hospital, she's princess mad, loves arts and crafts, and enjoys spending time with her younger sister, Mia.
"She is fighting her battle very strongly at only the age of 5," Rebecca says. "She is my little brave superstar."
Rebecca is sharing Nancy's story in the hope that more people will consider becoming blood donors.
"If it wasn't for all the blood donors, Nancy wouldn't even be here now to have the chance of treatment. Do it. It's such a selfless act to do, to potentially save somebody else's life."
