Oscar's Heroes campaign: mother signs up to the DKMS register

To help the Jacob family find a bone marrow donor for their two-year-old son Oscar, who has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, The Gazette has backed the campaign dubbed Oscar’s Heroes.

This week, 26-year-old Charlotte-Louise has become one of those people who could give the gift of life by signing up to the DKMS register and to take a simple swab test.

Charlotte-Louise signed up after she experienced difficulties giving birth to her son Thomas Young.

The South Ham resident said: “I had quite a bad labour where the umbilical cord got caught around his neck and I ended up having an asthma attack.

“When he was born there was a prominent lump on his head.

“I was told it would fade after a few months, but it never did, and it was a real worry for the first year of his life, having to go see plastic surgeons and various specialist.”

After concerns that Thomas would have to have craniofacial surgery, now at three-years-old he has been given the all clear.

It is the stresses of being in and out of hospital why Charlotte-Louise has shown her support for the Jacob family.

She added: “I know how stressful these situations can be, and if I can help Oscar find a match that would be amazing.

“Even if I am not a match for Oscar then hopefully I will be for someone and I can help some young child’s life.

“I’ve been approved by the register, so I am now just waiting for my swab kit to arrive.”

Oscar was moved to Basingstoke hospital on Friday, 13 April and is now waiting for a match.

The Beggarwood family has set up a Facebook page called Oscar Bob’s battle with Leukaemia, which people can keep up to date with his process.

To become one of Oscar’s Heroes and sign up to be a donor, go to dkms.org.uk/en/register-now.

To show support for the Jacob’s family The Gazette is encouraging everyone who signs up to share the message on social media using #OscarsHeroes or send your story of registering to tim.birkbeck@basingstokegazette.co.uk.