Holgate family raises money for research into their baby's disease (From York Press)
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Ben and Caroline Rhodes of Holgate bid to help sufferers of Diamond Blackfan anaemia
11:33am Thursday 11th February 2010 in News
THE family of a baby boy who needs a blood transfusion every five weeks are holding fundraising events to raise money for medical research.
One-year-old William Rhodes was diagnosed with Diamond Blackfan anaemia (DBA) last year, a condition so rare that it affects only about 120 people in the UK with 700 known sufferers worldwide.
The condition means William's bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, and it often leaves sufferers with a limited lifespan. To combat the disease, he has had to endure blood transfusions every five weeks for the past year to top up his levels of red blood cells. When they fall below a certain level, he becomes lethargic and pale.
His mum and dad, Ben and Caroline Rhodes of Hamilton Drive, Holgate, have got some fundraising events organised to raise money for research into DBA.
The first is on March 27 at Holgate Working Men’s Club in New Lane. Mr Rhodes, a former York City footballer, is involved with Hamilton Panthers Football Club. Sally Sanderson and Kath Bristow, who are also involved with the football club, have organised an X-Factor-style show dubbed the HP Factor. Singers of all genres will be appearing on stage from 7pm with tickets available from the club.
Following that, Mr and Mrs Rhodes are hosting a charity raffle and auction evening at York Racecourse in May. The couple have written to businesses throughout York and North Yorkshire for prizes.
Mr Rhodes said: “We have written to shops, restaurants, gyms, football clubs, rugby clubs – everything and everyone to get donations or things we can raffle off and we’ve had a really good response.”
Prizes will include free meals vouchers for shops and tickets to local attractions.
On the night there will be a three-course meal and entertainment will be provided by Huge.
