LUKE Day's family are today waiting to hear from the leaders of all three major political parties after taking their campaign against MRSA in hospitals to the top.

LUKE Day's family are today waiting to hear from the leaders of all three major political parties after taking their campaign against MRSA in hospitals to the top.

The Evening Star took the family to the House of Commons yesterday to present a powerful and poignant letter to the private secretaries of Tony Blair, Michael Howard and Charles Kennedy.

Julie Fenton, Luke's grandmother, wrote the letter, which calls for a shift from a culture of fear to a culture of trust in NHS hospitals.

She said: "There were so many things I wanted to say and it took me a long time to make sure I had it just right but I hope it gets the message across.

"It's nice to know that we have given it to people who will actually do something with it and ensure it gets to the right people, rather than just leaving it in a pile of papers somewhere.

"Everyone kept saying we were very brave but we are doing it for Luke and we will continue to fight until something changes."

Two-day-old Luke died after contracting MRSA at Ipswich Hospital in February. The letter calls for a stringent review of cleaning and hygiene procedures and open recording of MRSA on death certificates.

All three private secretaries pledged that the letter will be given to the leaders first thing on Monday when they return from the pope's funeral in Rome.

They were also given copies of all of the Star's MRSA coverage and today we are joining the family's call for a speedy response.

Glynis Day, Luke's mum, said: "I was a bit unsure about what to expect but everyone made us feel really welcome and I'm confident we will get a response from them all.

"I feel like they will take it more seriously now."

The letter is addressed to Tony Blair but was copied to Mr Howard and Mr Kennedy, and it is believed to be the first time anyone has taken a letter directly to the private secretaries of all three leaders simultaneously.

Kevin Fenton, Luke's dad, said: "I didn't realise that until they told us but it's good to know we have done something unusual. I'm really pleased they agreed to see us and I feel it was a really worthwhile day."

The letter was handed over in the W-Rooms, deep in the heart of the House of Commons. This area is not usually accessible to the public but the family were accompanied by their MP John Gummer who helped to set the meeting up.

He said: "It is very brave of Glynis and Kevin to stand up like this. it would be so much easier to just try and put it behind them but they know that if they can only get people to recognise what happened there's a very real chance something could be done to improve things.

"I very much honour them and the fantastic support that they've had from their parents."