Kickboxing helps girl, 5, recover from transplant

A five-year-old girl who spent six months having hospital treatment for a rare immunodeficiency has delighted her family by taking up kickboxing as she recovers from her ordeal.

Autumn, who lives near York, was diagnosed at 18 months old with Hyper-IgE syndrome, a condition which affects the immune system.

She underwent a successful bone marrow transplant from a donor in Germany in December and, after isolating with her parents, is now living an active life.

Her mother Louise said: "Watching her kickboxing, which is so physical, is wonderful to see. It is such a joy to see her having a go at stuff and being back to that little social butterfly."

Autumn underwent chemotherapy and had to live in a bubble before going into "purple isolation" at Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle - a stage with slightly more freedom such as being allowed to have short outdoor breaks.

Looking back at that time Louise said the family had to keep her active throughout the whole hospital stay.

"The days that she feels rubbish are the sad days," Louise said.

"Then the days that she feels good you just keep doing stuff and try and keep her active.

"It's one of those strange things because at the time you think you're never coming out of it and then, when you get back, everything is amazing."

According to the charity Immunodeficiency UK, common features of the condition are severe eczema, increased susceptibility to infections and markedly raised levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Autumn followed in her mother's footsteps and took up kickboxing at a club near Easingwold.

Instructor Jess Fairburn said: "She has been a breath of fresh air and has no fear.

"She just wants to get in, have fun, meet all the other children and she's happy to try anything."

Speaking shortly after a kickboxing class, Autumn said she was "a little nervous" at first, but now loves it.

"It feels like I want to keep doing it forever," she said.

Autumn is now a finalist in the Young Hero Category in this year's BBC Radio York Make A Difference Awards.

Her mum Louise said: "We all think that she's a hero, but of course, you all think that your kid's a hero, don't you?"

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