This was our first Xmas with Jasper home and he was so excited

Boy back for festive hols after stem cell transplant

-  JEREMY ARMSTRONG

A SCHOOLBOY whose life the Mirror helped save was back home in time for Christmas.

Jasper Makungu, who has sickle cell disease, flew 4,000 miles from a clinic in India where he had received a bone marrow transplant from his sister Mercy, 17. He was back just in time to celebrate Christmas as well as his 12th birthday.

The Mirror teamed up with blood cancer charity DKMS to send Jasper, Mercy and their mum Carol to Bangalore from their home in Kabwe, Zambia. Jasper had regular checkups following the transplant.

Now, after 10 months in India, he is full of energy and is enjoying the festive season without needing any hospital visits. Carol, 44, a teacher, said: "He is so excited.

"He just wants to see his dad and enjoy being at home again.

"We appreciate everything that you have done for us.