Ward 3 share knowledge and blood at Madrid EBMT26 | The Bubble Foundation
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Ward 3 share knowledge and blood at Madrid EBMT26

Updated: March 30th, 2026

At this year’s EBMT conference in Madrid, doctors, researchers and healthcare teams from around the world came together to share the latest findings in stem cell transplants and treatments for serious immune conditions. Those attending spoke about how inspiring it was to see just how far care has come, with a growing focus not only on helping children survive, but aiming to help them live full, healthy lives.

The Bubble Foundation arranged for Ward 3 to visit and share in this year's EBMT 2026 in Madrid.

Mary showcased our Haplo+4 kids research

At the conference, our very own Professor Mary Slatter shared an update on the Haplo 4 Kids trial, a vital piece of research funded by the Bubble Foundation that is helping to make stem cell transplants safer and more accessible for children without a perfect donor match. Mary also highlighted the essential role of the two specialist research nurses, Kay and Kath, currently funded by the Bubble Foundation, who support families through every stage of treatment and ensure this groundbreaking work can continue.

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Lexis Letter

Alongside this, Karen delivered a powerful and deeply personal talk centred around “Lexi’s Letter”. Lexi wrote this letter and it was turned into a moving animation. It describes what it truly feels like to be long-term patient in hospital. Her words brought the audience back to the human side of care, reminding everyone that behind every treatment and every trial is a child and a family navigating their incredibly challenging journeys, all of which are unique.

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🩸 Ward 3 Staff donate blood

We were so moved to learn that, while in Madrid to share knowledge and learn from others, a number of the Ward 3 team from Great North Children’s Hospital chose to donate blood. After long, demanding shifts from 8am to 8pm spent caring for children and families, they still found the energy and compassion to give even more, this time to help people they may never meet. A lovely reminder of the dedication and kindness that our entire community gives day and night.

Funding this worldwide collaboration

To enable our team to attend and share both the latest discoveries and the voices of our families, we were proud to draw on the Wilf Gaffney Travel Fund. Wilf, our much-loved former Chairman, was rarely still and spent his time travelling far and wide for work. In his memory, the kindness of his friends and family, along with donations given at his funeral, has created a lasting legacy. This travel bursary helped our staff continue that global mindset connecting with others, learning, and bringing vital knowledge and stories back to the families we support. Knowing that some of our staff donated blood while in Madrid felt especially meaningful, a simple but moving way to extend the impact of the travel bursary beyond the conference itself, helping to save lives they may never meet. It’s a lovely gesture that reflects the spirit of giving that Wilf stood for. Thank you, Wilf.