A YOUNG leukaemia sufferer who had been trying for a baby with his new wife has lost his battle with the disease.

Martin Black, 20, was diagnosed in November 2000 but thought he had beaten cancer when he went into remission for 18 months.

In April, doctors told him his condition was terminal and he was given three months to live.

The 20-year-old, of Felling, Gateshead, brought his wedding to sweetheart Susan Smith forward, and, in a ceremony at Gateshead Civic Centre's registrar office in May, the couple tied the knot.

Martin and trainee hairdresser Susan were trying for a test-tube baby and had started IVF treatment, which used sperm taken from Martin when he was first diagnosed with leukaemia.

Normally, couples hoping for children are told to try for two years before beginning treatment, but doctors at Newcastle's Centre for Life agreed to move the couple to the top of the waiting list for IVF treatment.

They were given one free course of treatment, but it was unsuccessful.

Martin died at his home on Wednesday. Last night, Susan said: "Everybody is just really upset at the moment.

"Martin touched the hearts of everybody he ever met. We are all going to miss him loads."

Martin was a diesel fitter at CPS Haulage, in Hawks Road, Gateshead.

His funeral will be held on Christmas Eve.