I love them after transplant
A ROLLER coaster-hating boy now loves the theme park thrillers after receiving a bone marrow transplant from a ride fanatic.
Rupert Cross was struck down with rare blood disorder myelodysplasia aged six.
But after thrill-seeking donor Billy Higgins stepped in to help, the pair have become best pals.
Rupert, now 11, and Billy – who he calls his “Superman” – love going to theme parks together.
His mum Holly, 48, said: “Rupert didn’t like roller coasters before but now he loves them.
“We were told he might get something passed on from his donor, but doctors explained it could be immunity from vaccinations or possibly allergies.
“But now he loves roller coasters and so does Billy, who another member of our family.”
Aged seven, Rupert lost a lot of weight and all of his hair, and after developing severe jaundice dubbed himself the “Yellow Banana Alien”.
He was at risk of his condition developing into leukaemia but has now made a complete recovery.
Banker Billy, 30, only chose to sign up to the Anthony Nolan donor register beis like cause he saw his office crush Kate, 31 – who he went on to marry – in the queue.
Holly said: “I bought a thank you card but it took me a year to send it as I didn’t know what to say – what could I write to a selfless stranger who saved my boy’s life?
“Billy is a hero, and if it wasn’t for Kate none of this would have happened so we’re just so grateful to both of them,.” added Holly, of Hemel Hempstead, Bucks.