THE family of Gwent leukaemia sufferer Thomas Steer are eagerly awaiting test results to confirm the all-clear for a life-saving bone marrow operation this month.

The nine-year-old, from Alway, was first diagnosed with the illness in 2001, and after it returned in August last year his best hope of a cure was a bone marrow transplant.

Thomas was at Bristol Children's Hospital yesterday, receiving various tests, including one on his lungs, to determine if he is fit enough for the life-saving operation to go ahead.

His parents, Jeff and Karen, were ruled out as donors, but the Argus revealed last month there were three possible matches for their son in Germany.

His half-sister, Tammy Steer, 26, said: "The tests have us waiting in limbo. He had a good Christmas and we are just hoping the operation can go ahead."

During the course of his illness Thomas has spent most of his time in Llandough Hospital, near Penarth, waiting for a bone marrow match.

He has spent Christmas at home with parents Jeff and Karen, and has been in general good health.

Grandmother Barbara Beynon said: "He has had a lovely time over Christmas and has been running and jumping around, really enjoying himself."

Thomas was presented with a Robosapien toy by the Argus and Big W as a special treat on Christmas Eve.