Daily Echo story 1 May 2000

A very Happy Birthday!

It was a day Stuart and Karen Heaton had only ever dared dream about. Just five months ago, the couple were enduring a round-the-clock bedside vigil after their youngest daughter, Beth, underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant to help in her battle against a rare blood disorder.

But yesterday, their dreams came true when dozens of friends and neighbours crammed into the couple's Totton garden to celebrate Beth's first birthday.

Mr Heaton told the Echo: "Today is the day we have dreamed about. Beth had a really difficult time at Christmas and we feared the worst. We wondered whether we were ever going to see today, but I like to think today is another step forward. We had the dark days of winter - we have now got real hope and it is a lovely day to prove that".

The Heaton's plight hit the headlines last September after sister Emma made a plea in the Daily Echo for bone marrow donors to come forward in the hope of a match for Beth. As a result of the appeal, 24,000 potential donors rang the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and a match, an anonymous 22-year-old man, was found. Beth had the operation just before Christmas and is now awaiting the results of test to see whether she is starting to develop her own immune system.

Yesterday, around 80 people arrived to share in her big day. And the Daily Echo sent along a special present - New Forest clown Nigel Jackson, who entertained Beth and her friends.

"What made the day even more special was a birthday card from Beth's donor," said Mr Heaton. "Today has been for Emma as well who is equally as special, because with her help she saved Beth and many others who have benefited from the thousands of new donors."

The family must wait until May 10 to receive the results.