SERIOUSLY-ILL teenager Alex Wardrope is "back to square one" after his lifeline was cruelly snatched away.

Two weeks ago leukaemia-sufferer Alex was jubilant when he was told a life-saving bone marrow match had been found for him.

But the 19-year-old has been left heartbroken after doctors told him the tissue is not 100 per cent compatible.

Now Alex's family are making fresh appeal for donors, after doctors said a match must be found by the end of the month.

Mum Joanne said: "It is terrible. We had hope but now we are back to square one and desperately need to find a donor again.

"It is just so disappointing and disheartening for Alex."

Earlier this month the former Orpington College student was told a bone marrow match had been found and he hoped to undergo a life-saving transplant within four weeks.

Mrs Wardrope took her son to King's College Hospital, south London, on October 7, where they expected to have their good news confirmed.

However, hope soon turned to despair as doctors told the family they had been "misinformed".

Primary school teacher Mrs Wardrope, of Sidewood Road, New Eltham, said: "The doctors told us one gene was wrong so it was not a complete match.

"I think because everyone is so desperate to find a match it makes people move too quickly."

Paying tribute to her son, Mrs Wardrope added: "I don't know how he is so strong."

Doctors have now set a deadline of October 28 for Alex to find a match.

If no donor comes forward, he will have to undergo a painful and intensive period of chemotherapy, which is not guaranteed to fight off the leukaemia.

It is not too late for you to help save Alex.

The Anthony Nolan Trust holds regular clinics across London for anyone who wants to join the national bone marrow register.

To find out more, call 0901 882 2234.