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!”.

The Red Box post offices in Starbeck and Bilton have raised £1,980 for a five-year-old Harrogate boy with an incurable blood condition.

Archie Flintoft has Diamond-Blackfan anemia, which 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.

The Red Box launched an appeal for funds this year and visitors to the two post offices have donated £760, which was matched by The Red Box. Post Office Ltd also donated £200.

Andrew Hart, who owns The Red Box, said:

“Archie is a bright and vibrant child who, when feeling well, does not let life get him down. He is a huge fan of super heroes, and would love to become one when he grows up! To those who know and love him, he already is.”

Read more:

• Appeal launched for Bilton boy Archie’s life-saving treatment
• Knaresborough family determined to ‘leave a legacy’ for baby daughter

The Red Box has now started a grand Christmas raffle in conjunction with Doors Direct, which hopes to raise a further £5,000 for Archie. First prize is a 50” Smart TV.

Tickets are available from tomorrow at both post offices and online.

An appeal has been launched to raise money for the family of a young Bilton boy with a rare life-threatening illness.

Archie Flintoft, 5, has Diamond-Blackfan anaemia, an incurable condition whereby 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 keep him alive. He also has to travel to London for a special check-up two or three times a year.

Although treatment costs are covered by the NHS, mum Vicky had to leave her job to take care of Archie. Family visits to St Mary’s Hospital in London can set them back up to £1,000 each time because of transport and accommodation costs.

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 help out with fundraising projects. But since the covid pandemic it’s been difficult to raise money.

Read more:

• Harrogate couple launch oxygen for India appeal
• Mother talks of daughter’s childhood cancer to support charity

Mum Vicky says young Archie takes everything in his stride:

“When he has his transfusions he has to sit still for six hours, and that’s not easy for a five-year old. So I get him a magazine with a little toy, and that’s his treat. He has lots of videos, games, and a tablet, and we eat snacks as well.”

The current fundraising bid was launched yesterday as part of a community appeal led by Andrew Hart and Asma Ola, owners of the Red Box, a post office and gift shop on Harrogate’s King Edward Drive.

For every pound donated, Post Office Ltd has agreed to add another pound, and Red Box will donate two pounds on top of this. Donations have already reached a total of £800, including the top-ups.

Vicky said:

“We’re absolutely blown away by everyone’s kindness and support. I don’t have the words to say how much it means to us that people are behind us to provide the best care we can for our boy.”

The family aims to get Archie’s hospital fund to £3,000. Any further money received will be given to DBA UK, the charity which supports people with the condition and their families.

Donations can be made in person at the Red Box newsagent in Bilton.