5:30am Friday 5th October 2007
By Lucy Clark
A TEENAGER who is still recovering from a bone marrow transplant that cured him of a life-threatening genetic condition is taking on the Test Way challenge.
Joshua Hartley, 15, underwent his transplant in 2004 to cure him of X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP). The condition leaves those affected with no immunity against serious illnesses including glandular fever and cancer of the blood.
However Joshua, from Romsey, still suffers from scleroderma, an after-effect of the operation, which hardens his skins and makes it very difficult for him to walk far.
He is tackling the last two-and-a-half miles of the Walk the Test Way event, organised by the Rotary Club of Romsey Test, on Sunday, October 14.
Dad David Hartley said: "Over the last few months we have seen significant improvements in Joshua's joints and he now wants to take on his biggest challenge to date.
"Last year he was not well enough to take part so we are delighted that he is really up for it this year.
Joshua is collecting sponsorship for the XLP Research Trust. His parents set up the charity in 2003 after they learned that all four of their sons were XLP sufferers.
To sponsor Joshua in the Walk the Test Way event, visit the website www.justgiving.com/joshhartley.
For the full story see today's Southern Daily Echo.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisishampshire.net