Archie's Army

Welcome to Archies Army!

Thanks so much for visiting our page. Archie is a young boy from Harrogate who suffers with the life-threatening condition Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA). This is an extremely rare condition that effects approximately 1000 people worldwide. His bone marrow doesn’t create the red blood cells he needs to survive. There is currently no cure for the condition.

Archie needs regular blood transfusions (currently once every 3 weeks) just to keep him alive. Although this allows him to manage the condition it comes with its own risks.

A side effect of blood transfusions means a build-up of iron in his body. If not treated this starts to attack his organs (liver and heart) and would ultimately be fatal.

To break the iron down Archie has to have a needle inserted in to his leg every night which is attached to a pump. This provides medication to him overnight whilst he sleeps. Although this breaks the iron down, it hurts and also causes complications of its own.

He is also a bright and vibrant child who, when feeling well, does not let life get him down. He is a huge fan of Super Heroes, and would love to become one when he grows up! To those who know and love him, he already is.

This page is to help raise awareness of the condition, to help promote blood donation which is so desperately needed to keep children like Archie alive, and to raise money to support Archie through his specialist care and for Diamond Blackfan Anaemia UK (registered charity 1083179) who support the families and sufferers of DBA as well as funding vital research that one day may save Archie.

We are organising events to raise funds and if you feel you can help, with a small donation of money, time or ideas we would love to hear from you.