KEEN athlete Amanda Conway is hoping to get her life back on track in 2007 - thanks to her big brother Kevin.

KEEN athlete Amanda Conway is hoping to get her life back on track in 2007 - thanks to her big brother Kevin.

The 15-year-old suffers from severe aplastic anaemia, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the body's ability to produce white and red cells, as well as platelets, in the blood.

Doctors at Yorkhill Hospital For Sick Children, Glasgow, said a bone marrow transplant was Amanda's only hope of a cure after the illness had forced her to spend four months in hospital, much of it in isolation for fear of infection.

However, Kevin came to her aid when tests revealed the 18-year-old was the perfect match. Doctors say siblings have only a one in four chance of matching, while transplants from unrelated donors are complicated and less successful.

Doctors took bone marrow from Kevin's spine in August, which they then transfused to Amanda.

Now, almost five months after her transplant, Amanda, of Kilmarnock, is well on the road to recovery. If she stays free of the illness for three years, medics say she will be cured.

The Kilmarnock Academy pupil said: "What Kevin did was brilliant - he is the best big brother anyone could hope for.

"When I was not well he used to stay in and keep me company. And when I was in hospital and not allowed visitors he would wave up to my window."

Amanda, who has a sister Lauren, 14, and another brother Steven, 17, added: "All my family have been so supportive."

Kevin, who studies social care at Kilmarnock College, was happy to help his sister.

He said: "We were all so worried about Amanda. I did not think I would be a match, but when I found out I was, I was delighted - and also relieved she would be able to get the transplant.

"My operation was nothing in comparison to what she has been through, and any brother would have done the same."

Amanda's ordeal began last May when she was diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia, which left her feeling constantly tired. She had to have weekly blood transfusions, and was prone to infections, as her body was unable to fight them off, which could have proved fatal.

The family was told the transfusions were a temporary fix, and without a transplant the outlook for Amanda was bleak.

But now they are looking forward to a brighter future.

Amanda's parents, Jim, a motor mechanic, and Linzie, both 40, say the transplant has made the bond between their kids even closer.

Linzie, a car showroom manager, said: "The doctors always told us a sibling would be the best match for Amanda, but they also said there was only a 25% chance of this happening.

"When we found out Kevin was a match we were delighted and so relieved.

"What he has been able to do for his sister is amazing.

"The four kids were already close before Amanda's illness, but now they are closer than ever before - and there will always be a special bond between her and Kevin.

"Last year was a difficult one for us and we know Amanda was very lucky to get the transplant. We are hoping 2007 will be a fantastic year."