Transplant brother back at school

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The youngest of four brothers from Hampshire with a potentially fatal illness has returned to school.

Luke Hartley, eight, and his brothers Daniel, 12, Nathan, 14, and Joshua, 16, were born with the genetic disorder, XLP, which attacks the immune system.

David and Allison Hartley, of Romsey, were told that without transplants the boys were unlikely to survive into their teens.

Luke's second bone marrow transplant proved a success last November.

The eight-year-old's brother Nathan was the donor in the first procedure last May which failed.

'Historic day'

However, a second transplant involving a mystery donor was successful and the youngster returned home in January.

Mr Hartley said: "This is an historic day for us as Luke will be able to return to his school after 14 months away.

"His immune system has recovered sufficiently that the medical team looking after him agreed that he could go back part-time.

"Naturally he is very excited indeed. This hopefully now marks the near end of Luke's trials."

All boys were diagnosed in November 2003 with XLP - X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome or Duncan's Syndrome.

They set up a massive campaign for potential donors in 2004 with the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Nathan and Daniel found donors as a result of the appeal.

Joshua had his operation later in 2004 after his mother was found to be a match.

XLP is one of the world's rarest fatal genetic disorders and is believed to affect only about 100 families.