A HAMPSHIRE couple have spoken of their devastation after an operation to cure their youngstest son of a life-threatening illness failed.
The Hartley's, from Romsey, thought they had cleared the final hurdle in curing all their four boys of the rare genetic condition X-Linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP).
However the latest test results on youngest son Luke, 7, show his operation has not worked.
Luke had had the bone marrow transplant operation to replace his immune system with fresh cells.
His 13-year-old brother Nathan had been the donor.
But tests showed his newly grown cells are still from his old immune system, meaning the operation has failed.
His father David, said: "It's awful news after such a long and hard road to get so close to what seems to be the end of the valley, only to fall flat on our faces at the very last key result.
"It's devastating."
For the full story, see today's Southern Daily Echo.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article