Around 200 people came out to support a Foulridge family’s fund-raiser for a little boy in need of a bone marrow donor.
Last month we reported that Pauline Barnes and her three children, Ryan, Kirsten and Paige, were working to drive up funds for the Anthony Nolan register after Pauline’s grandson Rhys Neville (1) was diagnosed with Hyper IgM syndrome in November.
Hyper IgM syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the immune system, and to date the Whitefield youngster has no matches in the UK or in 52 other countries.
On Saturday a jam-packed event, complete with a band, raffle and variety of stalls, was held at Blacko’s Cross Gaits Inn to raise awareness of the charity.
More than £4,000 was raised on the day, and now Rhys’s relatives are hopeful the figure can be pushed up to £5,000. Mrs Barnes (53), of Barnoldswick Road, said: “It went amazing, and we couldn’t believe how people are so giving.
“Some people have even got in touch from abroad, whose children have got Hyper IgM, after reading our story in your paper.
“It was just fantastic, and I am still a bit of an emotional wreck at the moment. We are all just so grateful.
“We did raise awareness, and quite a few people joined the register - even if we got 10 or 15 people, then that could be another chance for our Rhys.”
Rhys, who went through numerous tests and time in isolation before being diagnosed, attended the fun day with his parents Leanne Barnes and Paul Neville.
Mrs Barnes added: “Rhys’s parents were overwhelmed by it all. Leanne just kept saying ‘this is all for you, Rhys’.”
A number of events are currently being organised for over the next couple of months to help raise more money.
For more information on how to become a donor and to see other ways you can help visit www.anthonynolan.org
And to make a donation to Rhys’ family’s Just Giving page go to www.justgiving.com/antonynolan-rhysneville