MEDICAL BAG

TRANSPLANT TALES

upert Cross, 11, always hated roller coasters and other theme park rides, but after receiving a bone marrow transplant from ride-loving Billy Higgins, 30, he has become a convert, now visiting theme parks with his new friend Billy, where they enjoy the Colossus, Stealth and The Swarm attractions. At the age of six, Rupert was struck down by the rare blood disorder myelodysplasia and was in danger of developing leukæmia, but has now made a complete recovery. Doctors, attempting to account for Rupert’s unusual change of character, suggested immunity from vaccinations or allergies might have been a factor in his sudden aboutface. But more unorthodox explanations have been posited..