Widdrington Station resident Barry Crackett has returned from his transatlantic trip to meet the seven-year-old boy whose life he saved by donating bone marrow three years ago.
Barry signed up to the Anthony Nolan register in 2002, which we use to match bone marrow donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant – often this is their last chance of survival.
We contacted Barry in December 2012 to let him know that his recipient was doing well, and the LA-based family wanted to meet him.
“It was a bit of a shock to find out that my recipient was American – I didn’t know that Anthony Nolan helped people all over the world, Barry says. “But as soon as I heard that he wanted to meet me, I agreed. How often do you get the chance to meet the person whose life you saved?”
Ryan’s mother, Maggie Compton, says, “We wanted to know who he was from the minute that we heard that Ryan had a perfect match. We always wanted to thank him for being so selfless, not knowing us but going to such a great length to save his life. Ryan is so healthy now, he is now able to be a normal little boy. Without Barry Ryan wouldn’t be here today.”
Barry, who became a father to baby Sol for the first time last month, says, “When I donated I didn’t really think it was a big deal but now that I’m a father myself, I can’t imagine what it must be like to watch your child go through this – hoping against all hope that someone, somewhere in the world, is a match for your child.”
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