A POORLY teenager, with a condition so rare it has no name, is starting to develop new cells which it is hoped will improve his health following a bone marrow transplant.

Doctors told Ethan Greenwood's family his best hope of leading an ordinary life was to have his immune system destroyed and replaced with a new one.

The Guiseley High School pupil underwent a bone marrow transplant in June and now his immune system has started to grow new cells. He is currently living in a 'bubble' - a sterile air-locked room - to avoid infection at Newcastle's Great North Children's Hospital.

The 14-year-old's mother, Sharon Greenwood, 45, said test results show the new cells are as a direct result of the transplant

"We could see it coming along but had to wait for tests to tell us whether it was his old ones growing back after the transplant or new ones from the donor. It's 100 per donor so that's great news, although we've still got quite away to go yet," she said.

Ethan's condition was attacking his stomach, pancreas, liver, spleen and lungs, which are now only working at 30 per cent capacity.

"He's doing well, better than expected. The next milestone will be his 100th day after the transplant.

"It's difficult for him being in the one room, he has been getting a bit of cabin fever but the hospital's been good," said Mrs Greenwood, of Fieldhead Drive, Guiseley.

"When the weather's been good we have been able to go out to a park opposite the hospital but he's got to wear a mask and lots of suncream and we have to stay away from other people in case of infection."

Ethan was referred from Leeds General Infirmary last year to consultant immunologist Professor Andrew Cant at Newcastle.

The hospital unit's work is supported by The Bubble Foundation UK, which Ethan's family and friends have raised almost £3,500 for - which they hoped to add to this weekend.

Regulars of The New Vic pub in Bolton Woods held a fun day on Saturday, which included visits from the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Joanne Dodds, and a vintage London red bus.

One of the organisers, Dawny Robb, said they hoped to raise £1,000 from the day's events, which included donations for sitting on the bus and a raffle.

"People have donated meals out, trips to the ice rink and beauty treatments as prizes. A local milkman donated all the bottles of wine customers had given him," she said.

There was face-painting and dressing-up for children during the day and, in the evening, a dog race night, singer and comedian for adults.

"We raised £1,000 last month with an event at the ice rink, and we hope to do the same again," Ms Robb said.

Yesterday, Guiseley Cricket Club also had a fun day for the Foundation with a Dads and Lads match, barbecue and raffle for a singed England team cricket bat.