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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Daniel Greer helps shave father and brother's head as teenager begins to lose hair through gruelling treatment

The family of a 14-year-old battling an aggressive cancer are urging the public to join the stem cell donor register.

Daniel Greer, from Newry, has leukaemia and his family said his only chance of beating the disease is through a bone marrow transplant. In the last few weeks, the young man has been through "a tough, tough time".

After 25 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, Daniel's hair began to fall out in clumps. And in support of their son and brother, his family braved the shave with him.

Read more: 'Help us save our son': Parents' plea as child battles leukaemia

"This is very hard for anyone to deal with, let alone a 14-year-old boy," his family said.

"Last Wednesday, the time came to take the bull by the horns and shave it all off. He already knew that his devoted dad Paul and big brother James, who have been with him every step of the way, were prepared to shave their heads in solidarity with him.

"Never one to miss an opportunity for a bit of craic, Daniel took great delight in taking the razor to their heads and giving them both a striking new look. Despite all that he has gone through so far, Daniel still managed a smile for this very unexpected family photo.

"Daniel is the bravest teenager we know but he really needs your help right now. Please sign up to check if you are his bone marrow donor match."

Through their 'Do it for Daniel' campaign, the Greer family has been blown away by the support of family, friends and strangers, who have been inspired to join the register in Daniel's name.

"Daniel’s story has touched so many people’s hearts," the family added.

"And we have been absolutely stunned by the response to sharing his search for a donor. Daniel has every chance of living a normal life again following a bone marrow transplant. It could be you. You could be the one to help him."

Last week, DKMS reported that almost 9,000 people joined the stem cell donor register after the initial appeal for Daniel was issued. The organisation usually records around 5-10 new registrations in Northern Ireland per week.

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