Young Boy Triumphs Over Rare Condition, Enjoys First Fish and Chips

An eight-year-old boy named Jasper Hodgson Smith is celebrating a significant milestone in his recovery from a rare and life-threatening condition after enjoying his first fish and chips. Jasper, who has Activated PPI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS), underwent a stem cell transplant from his father, Matt Hodgson, in late 2024, and spent nearly five months on the “bubble ward” at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Jasper is one of only 35 individuals in the UK diagnosed with this rare disease. His mother, Sophie Hodgson Smith, shared her joy at the event supporting the Bubble Foundation, a charity dedicated to assisting the staff and patients of the ward. Sophie noted that Jasper’s immune system is gradually rebuilding, stating, “He’s doing okay! He went out for his first fish and chips recently; his first meal out—that was something exciting.”

The family has been chronicling Jasper’s journey on social media, recently marking his eighth birthday and revealing that his T-cell count has exceeded 400. This count is vital as it reflects the immune system’s ability to combat infections. Sophie explained, “We still have to get his T-cells over 500 to get him to school.”

Community Support and Positive Mindset

Sophie has since become a trustee of the Bubble Foundation, emphasizing how Jasper’s determination and positive outlook have brought joy to others during his hospital stay. “He danced his way through his transplant. He would always take a positive approach, even on his worst days,” she recalled. The family’s efforts to share their story and create an Amazon wishlist for toys and other items have resulted in an outpouring of donations for Jasper and other children in similar situations.

During his time on the ward, Jasper developed friendships with fellow patients, and Sophie commended the Bubble Foundation’s role in alleviating the challenges faced by families. “The charity is doing a remarkable job for children who have these incredibly rare disorders. The support we have had before, during, and after the transplant has been incredible.”

Jasper’s treatment was part of a clinical trial known as Haplo+4Kids, which aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of bone marrow transplants for children. This trial allowed Jasper’s father to be a suitable donor match, and it assesses whether infusing additional immune cells from a donor can accelerate recovery.

Raising Awareness for Rare Disorders

The Bubble Foundation, established in 1992, focuses on providing support for patients and staff at the Great North Children’s Hospital. Joy Dyson, the charity’s fundraising manager, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about primary immunodeficiency disorders, noting, “Everyone knows what cancer is, but people don’t know what a PID is—and we know how life-threatening they can be.”

The charity launched a new website recently, alongside local dignitaries, to enhance visibility and encourage donations. The goal is not only to secure funding but also to foster understanding and support for families affected by these rare conditions.

Sophie emphasized the significance of the Bubble Foundation’s support, stating, “What made a huge difference was the support we had through the Bubble Foundation. They make families like ours feel less isolated, and these new resources will mean even more caregivers can find comfort and strength when they need it most.”

Jasper’s remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, community support, and the critical importance of awareness for rare diseases. The positive strides he has made in his recovery highlight the ongoing efforts in the medical field to provide hope for children facing similar challenges.