SCHOOLBOY Joshua Hartley is today starting a two-month stint in hospital as he prepares to receive a bone marrow transplant from his mum that will save his life.

The 12-year-old from Winchester Road, Romsey, was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital yesterday for a pre-transplant operation.

Dozens of cards and letters from wellwishers have already flooded into the famous children's hospital's Fox Ward as Josh prepares to start chemotherapy on Monday.

He's one of four brothers diagnosed with one of the world's rarest genetic disorders, called X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (XLP), or Duncan's Disease.

The only cure is the transplant he is to receive from mum Allison in just ten days' time. In yesterday's operation a feeding tube was inserted into Josh's stomach, to help him during the tough days of chemotherapy ahead.

Joshua, who is slightly anaemic and has to endure bi-weekly haemoglobin infusion, is facing the challenge bravely.

Dad David recently told the Daily Echo: "Both the two eldest have had such a good experience of hospital they don't have any fears."

There is also a small army of friends and relatives thinking of the Romsey School pupil in his home town.

Head teacher Peter Warburton said: "It was announced on Thurs-day morning and we were all thinking of him all day. We're all optimistic that this is going to go well."