THE aunt of a baby who developed a rare life-threatening disease will run the London Marathon to help other children like him.

Oliver Goldbart, from Chingford, who is now 15 months old, was struck down with a virulent immune system disorder in April last year. The condition, Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, causes massive organ failure.

He needed a bone marrow transplant to save his life and against the odds, his mother, Rhiane, was found to be a perfect match.

Oliver has a 50-50 chance of survival, but his little body, swollen by steroids and a daily cocktail of more than 20 different drugs, is still fighting to accept the donated bone marrow.

His spirit has inspired his aunt, Kath Sylvester, and her friend Lou Cox to run the London Marathon in aid of the Antony Nolan Trust (ANT), which has helped 4,000 children and adults find bone marrow donors.

Ms Sylvester, 30, a paramedic and education officer with the Ambulance Service who lives in Crawley, West Sussex, said: "Oliver has been through so much pain and suffering since his condition was first diagnosed and we still don't know what the future holds.

"But the doctors and nurses at Great Ormond Street have been so fantastic that I wanted to do something to help other children who often die before a bone marrow match is found.

"Although Oliver is still poorly, with a bone marrow transplant he has a chance. Too many children died while I was looking after Oliver and that's why I want to make a difference - however small."

The two runners have been awarded Gold Bond places by the ANT, which guarantees a marathon place if they agree to raise £1,500 in sponsorship.

Family and friends have rallied round and the women are on track to meet their target, but they want to do even better.

Their training expenses, including kit and gym membership, have been met by chartered accountants FW Berringer based in Kent, where Ms Sylvester's mother Carole works.

If you wish to sponsor Ms Sylvester and Ms Cox visit www.justgiving.com/kath-lou.