THE eldest of four Hampshire brothers suffering from the same rare genetic disease has returned home from hospital after successfully undergoing a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Joshua Hartley, 12, and his brothers Nathan, 10, Daniel, eight, and Luke, four, were diagnosed in November 2003 with the rare genetic condition called X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) or Duncan's Syndrome.

Today, Joshua is beginning his convalescence at home after successfully undergoing a transplant operation of bone marrow, which was donated by his mother Allison, 37, at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Dad David Hartley today said his son's return home was a moment of great hope for his whole family, who live in Romsey.

Doctors have said that without bone marrow transplants to combat the disease, which attacks the immune system, it is unlikely the Hartley boys would make it into their teens.

XLP is one of the rarest genetic disorders in the world with only 100 people having been diagnosed with it so far.

Following a public appeal for donors through the Anthony Nolan Trust, to which more than 16,000 people responded, matches have been found for the remaining three brothers.

Mr Hartley, 41, said: "It's a huge day for the family to have Josh back home, to get the first one home well and on his way to recovery is what we have been dreaming of.

"It is great for the other boys to see him coming home. It is a great inspiration for them and it gives us great hope for the future."

Joshua added: "It's great to be home with my family and to be able to see my friends again."

However, Joshua's return home has not been straight forward. Following the transplant in early June, Josh suffered a reaction to the chemotherapy as well as falling ill with a bug, delaying his discharge from hospital.

Mr Hartley said: "Initially, the transplant went well but because he became ill, Josh had to stay in hospital and it has now been three months since he first went in and Josh was chomping at the bit to be let out.

"But now he's home, we are going to spend time together as a family, getting Josh settled. We won't be having any parties yet because Josh can't see too many people for the next few months but he will be having a few friends around."

Mr Hartley added that as well as helping Josh to recover, the family would now be helping to prepare Daniel for his transplant, which was expected to take place in October.

Mr Hartley also renewed his call to the public to join the Anthony Nolan Trust's bone marrow register to help other families.

Anyone interested in becoming a donor should contact the Anthony Nolan Trust on 090 1882 2234 or visit the website on: www.anthonynolan.com