THE father of Gwent leukaemia sufferer Thomas Steer said his recovery from a bone marrow transplant has been "marvellous" and he may be out of isolation in a fortnight.

The ten-year-old from Alway, Newport, underwent a transplant on January 21 at Bristol Children's Hosp-ital.

Almost seven weeks after the transplant Thomas, who is currently in the isolation ward, is doing brilliantly despite a few setbacks, his father, Jeff, said.

Mr Steer said: "The treatment has gone well and the consultants are pleased with his progress.

"He has had a couple of set-backs with mouth ulcers but everything else is fine."

Thomas has been well enough to go outside and enjoy the fresh air, taking walks with his mother, Karen.

The youngster was first diagnosed with leukaemia in 2001. After it returned in August his parents were told that his best hope of a cure was a bone marrow transplant.

His parents were ruled out as donors, but the Argus revealed in December that there were three possible bone marrow matches for their son in Germany.

On the morning of the transplant, bone marrow was sent to the children's hospital from Germany and doctors said Thomas was expected to stay in isolation for around eight weeks.

His parents are hoping he will be fit enough to leave the isolation ward in around two weeks.

"We are pleased with his recovery. This week he has been marvellous and doctors told us he could be well enough to move. We are still not sure whether it will be back to Llandough Hospital or home yet," said Mr Steer.

He added: "Everyone at Bristol has been brilliant, and we can't wait to go home."