IN the space of just two years, Steffan Miles has changed beyond all recognition .

As 2007 started, he was a timid, frightened 14-year-old, with a rare, life-threatening bone marrow condition called aplastic anaemia.

Now he is a healthy, confident teenager with a range of interests and no shortage of plans for the future.

Steffan was admitted to University College Hospital, London, just over a year ago. After a gruelling week of chemotherapy, he underwent a bone marrow transplant.

Without it he would have died. But Steffan has not simply survived since the operation – he has positively thrived.

Now 16, Steffan, who lives with grandparents, Irene and Donald Beaton, in Eastbourne Grove, Westcliff, has become a more confident and happy person who and relishes every opportunity he is offered.

Mrs Beaton, 65, said: “Steffan is doing really well and is still making progress.

“We are so grateful to everyone who supported us at this time last year.

“Life is entirely different to this time last year. Steffan still has blood tests in London every three weeks, but he’s now happy to go into the hospital by himself and now he’s feeling well, he enjoys going up there much more.

“He also gets to see some of the other children who went through the treatment at the same time, which he really enjoys.”

She added: “Steffan has changed from a scared 14-year-old to a wonderful and positive 16-year-old.

“He has handled everything he has been through so well. We are so proud of him.”

A pupil at St Christopher School, Leigh, Steffan is now much like any other 16-year-old, and alongside his GCSE studies, enjoys hobbies including magic tricks, music, snooker and golf.

After the operation, Steffan could have faced as long as six months in isolation while his immune system recovered.

In the event, he recuperated faster than expected and was back home last March – in time to celebrate his 16th birthday with family and friends. The chemotherapy that preceded Steffan’s transplant robbed him of his hair, but that has grown back.

Mrs Beaton said Steffan’s future was now looking bright – in marked contrast to the 18 months of illness he suffered before a suitable donor could be found.

During that time, the teenager was kept alive with blood and platelet transfusions.

Mrs Beaton said: “Steffan has lots of ideas about the future now, although what he wants to do seems to change every day!”

The teenager’s story touched the hearts of many people in the town – and prompted almost 20 local people to sign up to the bone marrow donor register.

“We are all proud Steffan’s story has helped more children and adults to have a chance at a normal life,” said Mrs Beaton.

“We have a lifelong debt to the donor who helped Steffan.

“We are also so thankful to all those people who donated blood. They kept him alive until he could have his transplant.”

l For information about becoming a bone marrow donor, click the “bone marrow donation” link at www.blood.co.uk