Family of leukaemia appeal toddler welcome baby boy

The Team Margot campaign inspired people to register as potential stem cell donors

The family of a two-year-old girl whose rare illness prompted a worldwide marrow donor appeal have welcomed a baby boy.

Margot Martini had two forms of leukaemia and died in 2014.

Her family said they were "thrilled" to welcome Humphrey, who was born on 15 November weighing 8lbs 4oz.

In a Facebook post the family said: "Vicki is recovering well and Oscar, Rufus & Digby loved meeting their little brother. Margot would have too."

Since Margot's death, parents Yaser and Vicki - originally from Essington, Staffordshire, but now living in Roehampton, London - have also seen the arrival of Digby, two.

But the loss of their daughter leaves a "big hole" in the family, said Mrs Martini.

"We have had two more children, but that hole doesn't get any smaller, even though I feel extremely lucky to have had two more children," she said.

Vicki and Yaser Martini pictured with baby Humphrey and their three sons

The couple said Margot's brothers often ask about their sister.

Mr Martini said: "Digby sees Margot's photos and recognises her by sight.

Team Margot

"There will come a day when he asks 'where is Margot?'. I'm accepting that that time will come, and also for Humphrey."

Mr Martini added his work with the Team Margot appeal, which inspired tens of thousands of people to register as potential stem cell donors, helps with his grief.

The family continues to raise awareness through the appeal, which campaigns for more people to join the worldwide registers as potential bone marrow and stem cell donors, especially people from ethnic minorities or those with a mixed heritage.

"For me, the work with Team Margot helps me," Mr Martini added.

"It's almost like spending time with her and it's a legacy because we are helping other people and we are doing it in her name."