IT was the cruellest of ironies. Southampton based scientists David and Bee Flavell had been researching antibody-based treatment for leukaemia - then found their only son struck down with the disease.

Simon Flavell was just eight years old when he was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of childhood leukaemia.

The youngster put up a brave battle - but his parents knew he had a 50 per cent chance of relapsing and dying from the disease.

It was while Simon was seriously ill that Leukaemia Busters began to take shape.

The charity was founded at Southampton General Hospital in 1989.

Wendy Sutcliffe and Julie Daws, whose sons were undergoing treatment, decided to set about raising £30,000 to pay for a technician to help the Flavells with their pioneering work.

It was Simon who came up with the name and logo for Leukaemia Busters, christened after his favourite TV programme Ghostbusters.

Within a year, the fundraising appeal, which was publicised in the Daily Echo, had hit its target.

But as the charity grew stronger, Simon grew weaker.

When he suffered a relapse aged nine, he locked himself in the bathroom and refused to come out for an hour.

He lost his fight for life on June 8, 1990, shortly after his tenth birthday.

The tragedy made David and Bee Flavell more determined than ever to pursue their scientific goal.

Speaking at the charity's 15th birthday celebration this week, David, honorary scientific director, said: "Sadly we didn't produce anything in time for Simon but he was adamant that we should carry on, even though it was not going to benefit him.

"There are no hard feelings, no regrets with what we have done. We just have to look forward and think constantly that we are in a very privileged position where we can do things for patients in the future."

For more on this story and Leukaemia Busters go to our new 'Charities and Campaigns' section by clicking the link on the left of this page.