A six-year-old Gateshead boy and his family are celebrating after he received the all clear from a rare type of blood cancer.
On September 8 last year, Leland received a diagnosis of MDS cancer, a rare blood cancer that can turn into leukaemia. His mam Sarah had initially taken him to his GP when he developed a cough.
His devastated family were unable to provide bone marrow needed for the transplant due to none of them being a match. However, an unlikely show of support came from Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds, who shared Leland's story to his 20+ million followers on Twitter.
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A donor for a stem cell match was found through the Anthony Nolan charity in November 2022 following Reynolds intervention, with Leland undergoing chemotherapy and a transplant at the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle in January this year. And on Friday, mam Sarah shared the news that Leland had rang the bell at the RVI to signal he is cancer free.
She wrote: "Today's the day that Leland got to ring that bell. His transplant is complete & onto his next journey, recovery & staying healthy.
"I can't thank Ward 3 BMT @GreatNorthCH (at the Great North Children's Hospital) enough for fantastic care and treatment, @AnthonyNolan for finding that match, & everyone who has supported him."
The connection between Leland and the Deadpool star arose when Leland had been asked to be a mascot for his local team Blyth Spartans during their match against Wrexham FC, which is part-owned by Reynolds. Reynolds shared the video of Leland ringing the bell at the Great North Children's Hospital with the caption: "Today is a good day", on Friday night.
Leland's family responded on Twitter through the Leland's fight account saying: "I can't thank @VancityReynolds (Ryan Reynolds) enough you have been Leland's biggest supporter. Your encouragement for people to register as donors has been amazing. You have a best friend for life in Leland and he can't wait to meet you and cheer on @Wrexham_AFC when he is fully recovered.
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