Riley Thomas

Meet Riley Thomas

Riley Thomas was just four years old when he had his transplant on August 29th, 2025, using cells from a 19-year-old unrelated donor. He spent his 5th birthday in the bubble on Ward 3, a place no child should have to celebrate a birthday, yet one that became part of Riley’s story.

Riley was diagnosed with AIHA (Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia), but the road to that diagnosis wasn’t easy. For years, his mam was made to feel like an overprotective first-time mam. There were countless worries, low platelet counts, blood transfusions, and a lingering 17-week cough that wouldn’t go away, and when pneumonia hit, things finally began to change.

In May 2024, Riley finally got answers. Genetic testing revealed a SASH3 mutation, the cause of his blood disorder.

Time in Newcastle was incredibly tough. It was lonely at times, filled with tears and so many unknowns. But through it all, they faced it together. Riley showed such strength and courage every single day, and being autistic never held him back.

The family will always be grateful to the amazing team who cared for him, especially his consultant, Dr Owens, and to the Bubble Foundation for its amazing support.

Today, Riley is thriving with no setbacks, just energy, strength, and a chance to simply be a child again.

It was a hard journey, but one that will improve his life.