Teenager dies just ONE WEEK after being diagnosed with leukaemia having shown NO symptoms
A YOUNG boy died just a week after being diagnosed with leukaemia, having shown no symptoms.
James O'Mara was described by his family as being "happy and healthy" before he suddenly fell ill.
His family thought it was nothing more than a sickness bug.
But they were left devastated when tests revealed the 13-year-old was battling acute myeloid leukaemia.
James, a promising rugby player, battled the disease bravely for eight days, before he passed away at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
His aunt, Amanda Tanner, 41, said: "He was always laughing, joking and smiling - he didn't see the point in homework.
"He loved being outside doing anything that could be adventurous.
"He loved going out with his little brother. He did what he wanted, he knew what he loved. I'm really glad of that."
James's family said he had no pre-existing conditions and the sudden illness came out of the blue.
Amanda praised the doctors and nurses who cared for her nephew on Facebook, as she urged others to give blood in his memory.
She wrote: "For one week, while under sedation he tried to battle against the odds with the help of the most amazing doctors and nurses, medication and 89 units of blood.
For one week, while under sedation he tried to battle against the odds with the help of the most amazing doctors and nurses, medication and 89 units of blood
Amanda Tanner
"One nurse performed a blood transfusion by hand, taking out with one syringe, and putting in with another.
"The nurses worked 12-hour shifts, and literally did not stop during that time.
"Unfortunately, James couldn't fight anymore, all of his organs were under attack and his body just couldn't take it.
"Our lives have changed forever."
The teenager first fell ill on May 29 and died on June 8.
James had just started a newspaper delivery round in the village of Claines, Worcester, where he lived.
He had also joined Droitwich Rugby Club and was very keen on the sport.
More than 350 people said their goodbyes to James at his funeral last week.
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His heartbroken family are now appealing for people to give blood in James's memory, and
His aunt Amanda, a barrister, said: "We are urging people to donate blood, platelets and plasma to help other people as well as making a legacy for James.
"We are so grateful he was given all the blood he needed.
"If they had not had enough he would died from needing the blood - at least he had all the resources he required."
She added on Facebook: "We never would have imagined to have been in this position and can only thank all those many people that gave their blood and platelets that gave us hope.
"If you can, please donate blood. If you can't, please encourage someone else to do so."
James's family has also raised £2,000 in his memory which will be shared between Birmingham Children's Hospital, the Children's Liver Disease Foundation and , a charity researching blood cancers including leukaemia.
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