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Last Updated: Saturday, 6 March, 2004, 10:03 GMT
Hundreds pledge to help brothers
Hartley family
The boys suffer from one of the world's rarest diseases
More than 1,000 people have offered to become bone marrow donors after hearing of the plight of four brothers who have one of the world's rarest diseases.

Joshua, 12, Nathan, 10, Daniel, eight, and Luke Hartley, four, suffer from X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), which attacks the immune system.

Sufferers do not usually live into their teens but a transplant would give the boys a normal life expectancy.

After an appeal on BBC South, just over 1,000 people registered as donors.

They are just four normal, healthy, cheeky, mischievous, fun-loving boys
David Hartley

The Anthony Nolan Trust, which maintains the register, says it normally gets just a dozen calls a day.

The boys' father, David, 40, of Romsey, Hampshire, urged other potential donors to come forward.

He said: "There are people out there reading this who will be matches for my sons.

"If they can find it within themselves they can save my sons' lives and I would give anything for that."

Only 100 people in the world have so far been diagnosed with XLP.

Anyone who is healthy and aged between 18 and 40 can join the Anthony Nolan Trust register and see if they are a match for the boys.


Those interested in joining the register should call 0901 88 22 234 or visit the trust's website. Calls cost 25p a minute.





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SEE ALSO:
Brothers seek life-saving donors
04 Mar 04  |  Hampshire/Dorset


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