Macca pops in to see Luke (From Daily Echo)

Macca pops in to see Luke

9:00am Friday 4th January 2008 in News By Lucy Clark

LITTLE Luke Hartley didn't realise quite how famous his latest hospital visitor was.

Sir Paul McCartney paid a special visit to meet the young Romsey boy, who is recovering from a bone marrow transplant.

It might have been more of a treat for Luke's parents David and Allison, but his visit brightened up a tough festive period for the family.

David, who is staying at the hospital with Luke, said: "In truth, Luke didn't know who he was, but he was wonderful with Luke, spending about 20 minutes with him."

Seven-year-old Luke is still in London's Great Ormond Street Hospital following the transplant in early December.

It is the second attempt to cure him of the life-threatening genetic condition X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP).

Luke underwent a failed bone marrow transplant, with his brother Nathan the donor, last May.

He will remain in semi-isolation in hospital until his immune system is once again strong enough for him to return home, which should be later this month.

While Luke is recovering in hospital, mum Allison is herself recovering in plaster caste at home after breaking two bones in her foot on Christmas morning when she was preparing to travel up to London.

All four Hartley brothers were diagnosed with XLP in November 2003.

Joshua, 15, Nathan, 13, and 11-year-old Daniel have already undergone successful bone marrow transplants - the only cure for the condition that leaves sufferers with no immunity against illnesses such as glandular fever.