A brave young Derry girl, who has a rare blood disorder, has received a bone marrow transplant, in circumstances described as ‘a miracle’.

Phoebe Loughrey (11) had only recently started secondary school in St Mary’s in Limavady when it became clear she was gravely ill.

She was later diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, a rare blood disorder caused by the failure of the bone marrow to produce enough of all three figures of blood cells – red, white and platelets.

Phoebe has the most severe form, meaning a bone marrow donation had to be the best match possible.

Phoebe was placed on the bone marrow transplant list and in November 2025, she and her family received the ‘amazing’ news that a donor – a 12 out of 12 match – had been found via the Anthony Nolan database.

The procedure was scheduled for December 15, but, heartbreakingly, it had to be postponed as Phoebe became too ill with a Flu A infection.

That donor was then unavailable until February this year, but her dedicated transplant team identified a new donor.

Phoebe and her family travelled to Manchester Children’s Hospital for that transplant. However, on the day she was to receive her pre-transplant treatment called conditioning, the donor pulled out.

Phoebe pictured with members of her family in hospital.

Phoebe’s mum, Katherine, told how the family were preparing to head back home, when ‘a miracle happened’.

The Anthony Nolan team had found another donor – who was, in fact, Phoebe’s original donor, who is from Poland.

"Phoebe’s doctor actually called it a miracle as it was so close to the wire for rescheduling.”

Phoebe received her transplant on February 6, which she and the doctors call her second birthday.

"Phoebe got to press the button to start the transfusion and everyone in the room (there was loads) all cheered and sang ‘Happy Birthday.’

“When you receive a new transplant the date is called your second birthday so Phoebe now has two birthdays. I obviously cried like a baby as did Paddy. This day means so so much to all of us, it’s Phoebe’s chance to beat Aplastic Anaemia and get her life back.”

Katherine told how the family has received incredible support from their local community and beyond.

On the flight over to Manchester, the pilot kindly allowed Phoebe into the cockpit and her medical team have also been incredible.

The family, who all shaved their heads in solidarity with Phoebe, has also benefited from the ‘wonderful’ Northern Ireland charity, Angel Wishes, which has helped them financially and also provided a holiday home to allow the family to have a break before the transplant.

"What makes it even more special is that it’s a special environment for sick children, so infection controls are really high.”

They have also received strong support via a Go Fund Me, which has been set up to raise funds to send Minnie Mouse-loving Phoebe to Disneyworld in Florida, when she is well enough. Katherine added: “I know we say it every time but we could not get through this without all of your kindness, love, prayers and support. There are no words to thank you all.”

If you’d like to donate, see ‘Please help Phoebe meet Minnie, her lifelong friend’ on Go Fund Me.