Two Harrogate businesses have raised over £1,000 for a six-year-old Bilton boy with a rare bone marrow disorder— and the cheque was presented to his family by Marvel superhero Iron Man.

Doors Direct and The Red Box post office in Bilton have been raising money over the last year for Archie Flintoft, a five-year-old boy who has Diamond-Blackfan anemia.

The condition means his bone marrow doesn’t create the red blood cells he needs to survive.

Only 1,000 people worldwide have the condition and Archie needs to go to Leeds General Infirmary for blood transfusions every three weeks just to stay alive. He also has to travel to London for a special check-up two or three times a year.

Two years ago mum Vicky set up a Facebook group called Archie’s Army, where followers can keep up with what Archie’s doing and support fundraising projects that pay for his specialist care. But since covid, it’s been difficult to raise money.

Read more:

• Appeal launched for Bilton boy Archie’s life-saving treatment

• Starbeck and Bilton post offices raise almost £2,000 for local boy

Sean Clarke, managing director of Doors Direct, dressed as Iron Man to pay tribute to Archie’s bravery and hand over the cheque. Alongside was Andrew Hart from the post office.

Archie was also given an Iron Man costume of his own to wear.

Iron Man with Archie.

Archie’s Army thanked the two businesses on Facebook:

“Doors Direct and Andrew and the team at The Red Box have worked so hard this past year fundraising and supporting Archie’s Army and their latest raffle fundraiser raised a further £1,044 for us.

“We can’t thank them enough for everything they have done from fundraising, raising the profile of Archie’s Army (particularly after being quiet over covid) and the amazing care and support they’ve shown for the whole family, we are very blessed. Thank you all!”.