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Praise for American stem cell donor who helped save the life of little Ava

© DC ThomsonAva Stark
Ava Stark

The family of a girl who had cancer have thanked an American woman who saved her life.

Six-year-old Ava Stark, of Lochgelly, was diagnosed with bone marrow failure at the age of three.

She had a stem cell transplant in November 2016 after a widespread appeal for as many people as possible to sign up with the Anthony Nolan charity as potential donors.

Two years after the procedure, the family was allowed to write to the anonymous donor to thank them for saving her life.

And now mum Marie, 36, has revealed they know who Ava’s “hero” is.

Marie said: “We have been told our letter was passed on, which took us a few months to write. Not because of the size but because of what we wanted to say.

“We wanted that one letter to give as much detail as possible but without giving away names, ages, location, gender. We wanted them to know whatever they decided after that contact was 100% OK.

“We wanted them to know how absolutely amazing and special they are, how one decision changed our whole world.”

Marie said the family was fully aware the donor may only want limited contact and, as such, would only reveal the woman is from America.