A haematology unit will undergo a facelift thanks to a Bradford charity's bumper year.

The Annette Fox Leukaemia Research Fund has been able to order the refit after £50,000 was given over the last 12 months.

The unit, on ward seven of Bradford Royal Infirmary, will have new, more hygienic flooring.

Parts of the ward which were not refurbished during a scheme a few years ago will also be redecorated to make surroundings brighter for patients.

Fund administrator Lisa Bailey said they were hoping the work could start next month.

She said it was vital it was very hygienic and pleasant, adding: "If patients come in here, they are usually in here for quite some time."

She said they were thrilled with the support they had got over the years which had helped make the refurbishment possible.

"Every penny raised helps improve the lives of leukaemia patients and their families. The cash has supported other worthwhile projects, including a trip to Disneyland Paris for patients and families, aromatherapy for patients, funding a Welfare Benefits Advisory Service and equipment."

The latest donations have come from people who walked, ate and ran for the fund.

Bradford electronics engineer Andrew Barlow tackled his first London Marathon in April. He collected £1,055 for the charity after his wife Lynsey's employers, Pace Micro Technology of Saltaire, doubled his fundraising. Three workers from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust's estates department climbed Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike. John Carroll took on the challenge in memory of his brother Graham, who died from leukaemia. Though the trio's attempts to conquer Snowden were scuppered by a broken mini-bus, they collected £800 for the fund.

And diners at the Moghul restaurant in Burley-in-Wharfedale raised £1,040 through a curry evening. They got involved through regular customer Terry Uttley, of local band Smokie.

The group also played at the charity's annual dance in Ilkley, which raised more than £37,000. The fund was set up in memory of Annette Fox, who died from leukaemia in 1980, at the age of 17.

The fund employs a research nurse who supports patients on the ward and is involved with clinical trials.

David Jackson, chief executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The fund plays a key role in developing and supporting our specialist unit."