A SOLDIER was plucked from the peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Croatia to give a life-saving bone marrow donation to a dying baby.

Corporal Bryan Joseph O'Neill, known as BJ, was flown back from the former war zone to offer the possible gift of life.

The 39-year-old chef, who lives with his sister Sharon in Westwell Street, Darwen, said he was "honoured" to have been able to help the child, who could be suffering from leukaemia or another bone marrow disorder.

BJ underwent the surgery at a London clinic on Monday before arriving home in Darwen last night.

He served in the regular army when he was younger, which included several tours of Northern Ireland.

When he left he worked as a driver for Chippy's Taxis, Railway Road, Darwen, and joined the Territorial Army.

He signed up for six months in Croatia and Bosnia in December and later extended his contract for another six months.

All the time he kept in touch with the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust in case he was ever needed.

But it was still a shock to be told he was the perfect match for a dying child.

He said: "You don't think you will ever be a match for anyone but you do what you can."

After undergoing a series of tests at Blackburn Royal Infirmary to confirm that he was a good match for the child, he flew back to Croatia and Bosnia for a short time before returning to Britain on Sunday. The bone marrow was taken from the cavities in his hip bone under general anaesthetic.

He said: "All I know is that it was for a small baby. I felt fine after the operation and quite honoured to have been able to help."

BJ was expected to return home today with his fiancee, Lynn Houston, of Sudell Road, Darwen. Lynn, 28, had travelled to London yesterday to be with him. People who donate bone marrow are normally advised to recuperate for at least 10 days but BJ might have to stay at home for longer because of the nature of his work.

When he returns he plans to persuade his colleagues to register with the Anthony Nolan Trust. Men aged between 18 and 40 and in good health are the ideal donors.

Kay Carroll, donor development manager at the Anthony Nolan Trust, said anyone considering donating should be prepared to have a general anaesthetic and take at least a week off work.

"It does take a lot of commitment to be a donor but giving a donation is a once in a lifetime event and you are giving someone the chance of life," she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a donor should ring the donor hotline on 0990 111533, which is charged at local rate and open 24 hours.

To get involved in fundraising for the Anthony Nolan Trust ring 01423 879510.

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