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."

After Simon's death, Leukaemia Busters launched a £150,000 appeal to help build a new laboratory.

In 1993, former England football hero Gary Lineker and his wife Michelle formally opened the Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Suite.

During the next few years, preparation for the first clinical trials of the antibody treatment were carried out followed by the painstakingly slow task of evaluating its safety.

Since then, Leukaemia Busters has gone from strength to strength.

Its research has helped develop three different experimental antibody-based drugs, which selectively kill leukaemia cells.

The charity has also piloted three separate clinical trials on shoestring budgets.

David admits the work is complex and demanding - but pledged it will continue until it fulfils its aim of banishing childhood leukaemia.

"There are great challenges ahead to ensure that the fruits of our past, present and future research are used and applied for the benefit of patients," he said.

"With new developments and plans already starting to take effect, the charity is confident of making an important contribution to the treatment of leukaemia in the foreseeable future."

Leukaemia Busters is entirely dependent on public donations. To help, call 023 8063 6607.

This week, the Daily Echo received an award from Leukaemia Busters for the paper's outstanding continuous support for the campaign.

The award was presented to editor Ian Murray by David Gower, the charity's new patron.