Transplant boy brings hope

The eldest of four brothers suffering from the same rare genetic disease is home from hospital after a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Joshua Hartley, 12, and his brothers Nathan, 10, Daniel, eight, and four-year-old Luke were diagnosed with the rare condition last November.

Today Joshua is beginning his convalescence after successfully undergoing a transplant of bone marrow donated by his mother Allison, 37, at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

His father David said his return to their home in Romsey, Hampshire, was a moment of great hope for the whole family.

The condition, called X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) or Duncan's Syndrome, attacks the immune system. Doctors say that without bone marrow transplants, it is unlikely that the boys would make it into their teens. XLP is one of the rarest genetic disorders in the world, with only 100 people diagnosed so far.

Following an appeal for donors through the Anthony Nolan Trust, to which more than 16,000 people responded, matches have been found for the remaining three brothers.

Mr Hartley, 41, said: "To get the first one home well, and on his way to recovery, is what we have been dreaming of. It is great for the other boys to see him. It is a great inspiration for them and it gives us great hope for the future."

Joshua added: "It's great to be home with my family and to be able to see my friends again." However, his return has not been straightforward. Following the transplant, in early June, Joshua suffered a reaction to chemotherapy as well as falling ill with a bug, delaying his discharge from hospital.

Mr Hartley said: "Because he became ill, Josh had to stay in hospital. It's now been three months since he first went in and Josh was chomping at the bit to be let out. But now he's home we are going to spend time together as a family, getting Josh settled.

"We won't be having any parties yet because Josh can't see too many people for the next few months, but he will be having a few friends around."

He added that as well as helping Josh to recover, the family would now be preparing Daniel for his transplant, expected to take place in October.

Mr Hartley also renewed his call to the public to join the Anthony Nolan Trust's bone marrow register to help other families. The trust's telephone number is 090 1882 2234, or see its website, www.anthonynolan.org.uk.

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