A charity set up by a group of women in Gomersal and Cleckheaton has made its latest gift in its mission to benefit children with illness.

Members of Reuben and Friends visited the new children’s unit at Leeds General Infirmary to hand over £6,000, which will be used to buy four parent-sleepover beds.

They also revealed that plans to fund a research project to find a cure for children with rare blood disorders are well under way.

The research will be carried out by eminent paediatric haematologist Dr Josu de la Fuente, of St Mary’s Hospital, London.

Chairman of the charity Karen Jeffery said: “The parameters for the project are being defined. Dr de la Fuente is working closely with colleagues in Europe. This is just the start of his work and more funding will be required to support his work in the year to come.”

The charity was set up in 2004 to raise funds in the name of Reuben Grainger-Mead, of Lower Lane, Little Gomersal. who has a pure red cell aplasia, which means he cannot make red blood cells.

He needed 22 blood transfusions before his fifth birthday, but with the use of different nutritional supplements he is now in much better health at the age of nine, although he continues to be closely monitored by doctors.

The charity has raised thousands of pounds over the years to benefit local hospitals caring for sick children, including the purchase of parent beds for Dewsbury District Hospital, where Reuben received much of his treatment.

Helen Hartley, of the charity, added: “Reuben and Friends are delighted to be making this donation and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported us and continues to do so.”

Sharon Edwards, of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation, said: “We would like to say a massive big thank you to Reuben and Friends for helping us towards our fundraising goals.”

To make a donation to the charity, visit reubenandfriends.org or contact Helen Hartley on (01274) 875304.