YOUNG Daniel Hartley is due to return home to Romsey this week after spending Christmas in hospital recovering from a life-saving operation.

His brother Joshua, 12, who underwent the same bone marrow transplant last summer, will rejoin his classmates at Romsey School later this month.

It's a double celebration that marks another milestone for the Hartley family, of Winchester Road.

All four boys have been diagnosed with one of the world's rarest genetic disorders, called X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (XLP). It affects only 100 families worldwide.

Sufferers must have a bone marrow transplant, otherwise they are unlikely to live beyond their teens.

Joshua received his from mum Allison in June 2004. The road to recovery is due to end on January 18 when he returns to school.

It means his immune system is now strong enough to mix with crowds - and doctors have officially dubbed him an ex-XLP sufferer.

Eight-year-old Daniel received his transplant from a mystery donor in November 2004 at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital.

He's been recovering in isolation and celebrated Christmas with dad David in the ward.

Doctors have now given him the all-clear to head back to Hampshire.

David said: "The good news is that Daniel may be coming home next week. He has been very well in hospital over Christmas and has put back on almost all the weight he has lost. He does have a very mild graft versus host disease but nothing to be concerned about."

He added: "It is almost certain that Joshua will be returning to school on January 18.

"This very much signifies the end of the road for Joshua with regards to XLP. While he will still be on medicines for some time yet, going back to school signifies that he can get back into public life."

The other two Hartley boys, Nathan, 11, and Luke, 4, have donors and are due to receive their transplants later this year.

p To join the Anthony Nolan Trust's register of bone marrow donors, please call 0901 8822 234.