A BRADFORD mum has spoken out about her daughter’s rare condition which will soon see the little girl receive her 50th blood transfusion before her fourth birthday.

Three-year-old Freya Dixon, of Bingley, suffers from Diamond Blackfan Anaemia, a very rare blood disorder that results in bone marrow failure and disrupts red blood production.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Freya Dixon, 3, of Bingley, suffers from Diamond Blackfan Anaemia and will soon receive her 50th blood transfusion.Freya Dixon, 3, of Bingley, suffers from Diamond Blackfan Anaemia and will soon receive her 50th blood transfusion. (Image: Newsquest)

Mum Amy said: “She was first poorly when she was about 11 weeks old. She spent two weeks in ICU and she was diagnosed with Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) when she was about 10 months old.

“It was really scary when she was initially in hospital ICU with the condition.

“Her red blood cell was so shockingly low, and they were saying they had patients pass away with higher counts. It was horrific.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Freya Dixon, 3, of Bingley, with her family.Freya Dixon, 3, of Bingley, with her family. (Image: Newsquest)

“It was Covid, so her dad couldn’t be there and had to stay home. It was really traumatic for us.

“However, we knew pretty much what DBA was before she got the full diagnosis at 10 months because we knew someone who lives 20 minutes down the road with the same condition.

“It’s an incredibly rare form of bone marrow failure and she doesn’t produce her own red blood cells. There’s less than 2,000 people in the world living with DBA worldwide.”

Due to the condition, Freya must visit Leeds Children's Hospital every three weeks to receive a blood transfusion.

“Freya’s getting her 50th blood transfusion on April 12th. Without these transfusions, she wouldn’t survive.”

Despite the regular visits to hospital, Amy said Freya is doing fine and is used to something that has become routine for her.

“She’s full of life and is so brave and strong. We call it a trip to go see the doctors and nurses where she receives ‘her energy’.

“Although she lethargic before these transfusions, when she gets them she runs around like a crazy person. She has so much energy and is bouncing off the walls.

“She the happiest little girl,” added Amy. “Apart from going to hospital every three weeks, she’s a normal and healthy person.

“She totally unfazed by it all and has never known anything different.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Freya Dixon, 3, of Bingley, with her cuddly Duckie, who was provided by a charity and helps take control of her condition, Diamond Blackfan Anaemia.Freya Dixon, 3, of Bingley, with her cuddly Duckie, who was provided by a charity and helps take control of her condition, Diamond Blackfan Anaemia. (Image: Newsquest)

Amy said they are raising awareness of the condition and money for two charities that have been a lifeline to Freya, dad James and the family – Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) UK and the Give a Duck Foundation.

DBA UK has put the family in touch with people and other children around the UK suffering from the condition and the Give a Duck Foundation has helped Freya overcome her fear of needles.

Amy explained: “When Freya receives her blood she can give her cuddly Duckie a ‘needle’ which gives her control over her condition.”

To make a donation to the two charities, visit their websites at diamondblackfan.org.uk and giveaduck.org.uk