A LIFESAVING operation to cure a Hampshire lad of a rare genetic condition has been delayed by a day.
Luke Hartley,from Romsey, is in Great Ormond Street Hospital, London awaiting a bone marrow transplant. The transplant is now due to take place this afternoon.
Seven-year-old Luke has already undergone almost a week of chemotherapy to kill off his immune system ahead of the transplant.
Fresh adult stem cells will be infused into Luke's side during the procedure, which takes about an hour.
Luke underwent a failed bone marrow transplant earlier this year, when his 13-year-old brother Nathan was the donor.
Luke and his three brothers were all diagnosed with the potentially fatal X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome in November 2003.
Joshua, 15, Nathan and 11-year-old Daniel have already had successful transplants, which are the only cure for the condition that leaves sufferers with no immunity against illnesses such as glandular fever.
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