THE parents of Gwent leukaemia sufferer Thomas Steer have been told he is fit enough to undergo a potential life-saving operation.

Parents Jeff and Karen were at Bristol Children's Hospital on Tuesday, awaiting test results to confirm whether the bone marrow transplant could go ahead.

Yesterday they were told he can now go ahead with the op.

The nine-year-old from Alway was first diagnosed with leukaemia in 2001, and after it returned in August his best hope of a cure was a bone marrow transplant. His parents were ruled out as donors, but the Argus revealed last month there were three possible matches for their son in Germany.

Mrs Steer said: "The tests went OK and Thomas' operation will take place on January 21.

"He will go into hospital in Bristol next week for chemotherapy and radiotherapy to prepare for the operation, he is good in himself and can't wait for his birthday." Thomas celebrates his tenth birthday tomorrow and is looking forward to having friends around for the weekend.

"He really enjoyed Christmas and he can't wait for his birthday. Hopefully he won't go in to hospital until he has to and he can enjoy his birthday," added Mrs Steer.