Dermaine Thompson's mum, Tanya, has said her son's quality of life has significantly improved following new treatment for haemophilia A, a condition that affects the blood clots11:56, 07 Sep 2026Updated 11:59, 07 Sep 2026A nine-year-old boy "has his childhood back" after receiving new treatment on the NHS for a rare blood condition.‌Dermaine Thompson was part of an international clinical trial, XTEND-ed, which is helping children with haemophilia experience fewer bleeds and significantly reducing hospital visits. Dermaine had been in and out of hospital since his diagnosis, which put a strain on his and his family's lives.‌But following the trial, the youngster is now spending more time with his friends and siblings, and needs less trips to hospital. His mum Tanya, from Birmingham, described the trial as "heaven had come to earth".‌Tanya said: "Before this trial, we had to attend hospital every other day for treatment. This was so difficult to manage alongside caring for his siblings and working as a nurse.“Following the trial, Dermaine now only needs treatment once a week and I have now been trained to administer it myself at home. This has completely changed our lives.‌“He has his childhood back. I’ve not seen a single bruise on his body since having the treatment. As a family, we can cope with his condition so much better and Dermaine is now living the happy life that any nine-year-old should."Haemophilia, which can be life threatening, affects the way the blood clots, causing sufferers to bleed and bruise more easily than others. It left Dermaine particularly vulnerable, and he had to see doctors at Birmingham Children's Hospital frequently.But the trial involved a new clotting medication designed to prevent and control bleeding episodes. It allows children, such as Dermaine, to take part in everyday activities such as playing outside with friends. The treatment is now available on the NHS, offering new hope to families affected by haemophilia A across the UK.‌"The team at the Children’s Hospital have now become our second family. Dermaine loves coming in to see them and we are so grateful to everything they have done for us. This treatment has given us our lives back," Tanya added.But Birmingham Children's Hospital, which is in the city centre, is a leading UK specialist paediatric centre, offering expert care to more than 90,000 children and young people from across the country every year. Dr Jayashree Motwani, Paediatric Consultant Haematologist who led the international study at the hospital, said: "This treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of someone living with haemophilia A."Not only does it reduce the burden of regularly attending hospital, but it can also help children live a healthier, happier life with fewer bleeds.Article continues below"We are so happy that Dermaine is now able to enjoy life with his siblings and family.”