A teenager who suffered such severe eczema he used to miss school for months at a time, has raised thousands of pounds to thank the nurses and doctors who got his condition under control.

Fifteen-year-old Sam Forrest, of Shipley, who sometimes could not play his guitar because his fingertips were so sore, used to go to the dermatology department at St Luke’s Hospital three times a week.

The Beckfoot School, Bingley, pupil and his parents have returned to the dermatology unit to say thank you and handed a cheque for £2,250 to consultant dermatologist, Professor Andrew Wright.

Parents Dave Forrest and Lindsay Dobby, who run Strasse, an independent Porsche specialist in Leeds, host a fundraising golf event every year and this is the first year that the proceeds have gone to the hospital.

Lindsay said: “Sam’s condition is excellent at the moment with only a couple of blips this year which have been swiftly brought under control. His eczema won’t go away but we are confident, and moreover Sam is confident, that any difficulties we encounter can be quickly discussed with Professor Wright and the team, and help is at hand.

“Over the past four years St Luke’s dermatology unit has turned life around for Sam and our whole family by keeping his condition under control and acting swiftly if it begins to lapse at any time, which these conditions often do.

“The dermatology unit, and in particular consultant dermatologist, Professor Wright, have been nothing less than a lifeline for us, not only in terms of the medical treatment – which has been first class – but also in terms of understanding the effects skin conditions can have on lives.”

Strasse’s day at Otley Golf Club saw 56 players dig deep for the cause. It also included a charity dinner with entertainment by a comedian and an auction of sporting memorabilia with the club providing prizes alongside other contributors.

The proceeds have been split between the dermatology department and the Alzheimer’s Society, for whom Strasse has raised £35,000 in the past four years.