A SPECIAL day of prayer for Romsey teenager Joshua Hartley is being held by his family's church next Thursday.

Joshua has been battling bravely against the effects of a bone marrow transplant he underwent at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital in June, 2004. He and his three brothers were diagnosed in November, 2003, with the rare and life-threatening genetic condition known as x-linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome.

After suffering complications over the 28 months since the transplant, he has been returning to Great Ormond Street for further treatment and changes to his medication.

As he continued his battle towards recovery, his father David confirmed that the family's church - New Life Church in Romsey - will be holding the day of prayer and fasting.

He added: "We now need to see a final end to this long journey he has been on."

Members of New Life Church, Romsey, will receive a prayer sheet next Sunday.

Meanwhile, the XLP Charity launched by the family to fund research into a cure for the condition is continuing with its fund-raising activities.

The next big event will be a charity golf day at Hamptworth Golf and Country Club, near Landford, on Friday, November 3.

The entry fee is £120 for teams of four which includes a bacon butty at the start of the day, a round of golf and a two-course lunch.

Entry forms can be obtained by calling 01794 521077 or downloaded from the internet on www.xlpresearchtrust.org/events There will be prizes for the top three teams, and for the longest drive and nearest the pin.