'I was sad when my big sister got sick - then I saved her life'

A 'superhero' 10-year-old boy saved his big sister's life after she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Ruby Cheige was diagnosed with cancer of the white blood cells last year. The 14-year-old, from Little Hulton, first came home from school in April with leg pain, which her parents assumed was down to growing pains.

But the next day, she collapsed and her mum Debra rushed her straight to the hospital. A blood test revealed the frightening diagnosis.

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Ruby underwent four months of chemotherapy treatment but this failed to remove all of the cancer cells. As a bone marrow transplant was her only option, her brothers Rio, 10, and Marley, three, were both tested to see if they could donate.

Three weeks later the family were told Rio was a match, and the bone marrow transplant took place on September 22, 2022. Ruby is now in remission thanks to her brother who 'wanted to do everything he could' to help.

Debra, 39, said: "I just froze when we were told she had leukaemia. I was in a room full of nurses, and they told me Ruby's blood came back saying she had leukaemia - I was in a bubble I couldn't think.

"I was over the moon that Rio could help but in the back of my mind, I was worried that Rio had to go through surgery too. Watching both of your children get put to sleep, it isn't nice.

"I can't put words into my mouth, I was so excited that Rio was a match and able to save his sister's life. I am super proud of Rio and super proud of Ruby for getting through it all."

After Ruby came home from school with leg pain, Debra thought nothing of it and put it down to growing pains. The mum-of-four - who also has Marley, three, and Morgan, 20 - called 111 and