A Carlisle toddler will today undergo a crucial bone marrow transplant.

Three-year-old Aaron Jayden Storey, of Buchanan Road, Currock, suffers from a rare blood disorder called aplastic anaemia.

He is currently in an isolation bubble at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he has been undergoing intensive chemotherapy since last Wednesday.

Today he will move to the next stage of his treatment – a bone marrow transplant – after a donor was found who can give him the best chance of recovery.

His mum Justine Wilson and dad, also called Aaron, have been at his bedside throughout.

The youngster’s nana, Chel Green Hicks, 49, has been over to visit him. She said he has had some real ups and downs, but has amazed them all at how well he is handling it.

“He went in last Tuesday and started treatment on Wednesday, having chemo every day,” she said. “He’s hardly grumbled at all.

“There was one day when he didn’t know where to put himself but generally he’s doing well. He’s such a brave little soul.

“One day he was sat up in bed and started singing. I just sat and cried.

“They’ve said the side effects of the chemo will take two to three weeks to take effect. He will lose all his hair.”

One day Aaron came out in a red rash because he reacted to the treatment. He has also had to have other drugs, such as anti-sickness medication, to combat the side effects.

Due to the high risk of serious infection, he is being kept in an isolation bubble until after the treatment and his condition improves.

He can only have limited visitors, who must first scrub their hands, arms and finger nails before entering and wear protective clothing.

Chel said it is tough for him. “You can’t give him a kiss. You can’t even blow him a kiss because of the risk of germs,” she said.

“But the doctors have said he’s doing well. All the side effects are as they expected. So far so good.”