BRAVE Elizabeth Morris has undergone a lifesaving bone marrow transplant after a mystery donor from Germany was found.

The five-year-old girl, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 17 months, is now recovering back at home in Hollow Meadow, Ringley, Radcliffe.

Her parents, Janet and Jeremy, kept the operation a closely-guarded secret, and only her close relatives and friends knew about the operation which took place at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, last month.

She spent a month in an isolation room where only her mother, father and grandmother were allowed access.

Elizabeth celebrates her sixth birthday next week but, because she is in semi-isolation until September, she will only be able to have a quiet family gathering.

Janet said: "The transplant was her final hope. It all happened very suddenly. The operation had fallen through in the past and we wanted to protect Elizabeth by keeping it very quiet, even from our friends."

News of a donor, a man from Germany who was on a donor databank, broke on April 9. Hours later, Elizabeth was having the transfusion.

Janet said: "It was very exciting and very emotional. We were all crying, but Elizabeth slept through it all. She was a little poorly after the transfusion and her body is still trying to reject the marrow, but the rejection is under control.

"It will be five years before the hospital give the final all-clear. And it will be another six months of semi-isolation before she can mix freely with other people."

To pass away the time in her hospital isolation room, she watched a video made by her schoolfriends at St Saviour Primary, Ringley, who sent messages of support.

Janet said: "The video was wonderful. All Elizabeth's friends sang songs and sent little messages to her which she watched while in hospital. She just wants to say hello back."

The Morris family praised the public for their support, from fund-raising efforts to becoming volunteer bone marrow donors.

Janet said: "I am sure that they will save many lives. It would be true to say that we have been overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity.

"The past 18 months have obviously been very difficult for us and it has helped us to know that so many people have supported Beth during this time."

Roy Smith, headteacher of St Saviour's Primary, said: "We are hoping she will be back at school, fully fit as soon as possible. We miss her happy, smiling face and just want her to get well soon."