A Bickley student who developed a rare disease is urging others to be vigilant and watch out for symptoms.

Adam Riley, 21, was finishing his last year of his English degree at Lincoln University when he was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia.

The condition affects the bloods cells and is caused by deficient bone marrow development.

Mr Riley, from near Sundridge Avenue, said: “I was taken to hospital in April and formally diagnosed in May. I’d never heard of it before; I was just a normal university student.

“I had a blood test after tonsillitis on a Thursday morning and that afternoon they phoned me. That’s when I realised there was an issue.

"The doctor was practically yelling down the phone that I needed to get in a cab and go to hospital.”

He had a red blood count of 43, when the average person’s is around 160.

His sister, Grace, was not a match for a transplant so he started drug treatment and has seen some improvements. 

MORE TOP STORIES Mr Riley, a former work experience student at News Shopper, said: “Before I was diagnosed I felt fatigued quite often, I thought it was because I was finishing my dissertation and stuff, I put it down to working hard and playing football.

“I had huge really dark bruises on my legs; I just thought my mates were kicking me harder."

He had to defer graduating this summer with his friends as he missed an exam due to his illness.

The Charlton fan said: “It’s more frustrating than anything, I was so close to finishing university, at the minute I’m focussing on finishing and getting a good degree.

“But I don’t think my life has changed that much, but I’m a lot more careful and I can’t play football or drink anymore, It’s not exactly what I expected to be doing when I was 21.”

He encouraged people to join the Anthony Nolan register, which matches donors to those who desperately need it.

He added: “It’s a rare disease and it’s more common in young people, like students. It’s good to raise awareness especially in this age group, if you’re getting lots of bruises and can’t explain them get it checked out.

“My friend who studies bio-medical science kept telling me to get it checked, I should have listened.”

Mr Riley has written a blog about his experiences, to read it visit: adaminhospital.blogspot.co.uk