Transplant brothers' charity walk

The boys will walk along the River Test from Mottisfont to Romsey

Two of four brothers who all have one of the world's rarest genetic disorders are marking life-saving bone marrow transplants by making a charity walk.

Nathan Hartley, 12, and Daniel, 10, are to walk six miles along the River Test on Sunday to raise £1,000 for the XLP trust, set up by their parents.

The charity sponsors research on X-linked Lymphoproliferative Disease, which affects the boys from Romsey.

Only about 100 males have the immune system disorder worldwide.

Sufferers are not expected to live beyond their teens.

Allison and David Hartley were told in 2003 that their sons had the disorder and bone marrow transplants were the only cure.

It should help lots of other boys Daniel Hartley, 10

After a campaign through the Anthony Nolan trust, matches where found to all four boys' bone marrow.

The three eldest boys have all had transplants at Great Ormond Street hospital with Luke, six, due to undergo a transplant operation early next year.

Mr Hartley said Joshua is not able to take part in the sponsored walk as he has joint problems following his transplant.

'More caring attitude'

He said: "Nathan and Daniel will never have walked six miles before but they will give it a good shot. Even if it's bad weather we will still do the walk.

"Over the last year since we set up the trust we have seen amazing generosity from doing events and helping to fundraise - the boys just want to do something themselves.

"They have a more caring attitude because of what they have been through and they have a more mature outlook on life because of the condition."

Daniel said: "It should help lots of other boys and my dad promised to walk with me."

The boys will walk along the River Test from Mottisfont to Romsey.