THE campaign to fund lifesaving treatment for a seriously ill toddler has received a major boost with the support of a York business.

Developers Skelwith Leisure has said it will help fundraise for two-year-old William Rhodes, who suffers from a rare form of anaemia.

His parents Ben, 28, and Caroline Rhodes, 33, from Hamilton Drive, Holgate, York, hope to use genetic treatment to a tissue-matched brother or sister to William.

They hope the stem cells from the baby’s umbilical cord could save his life by enabling him to have a bone-marrow transplant.

Skelwith Leisure has said that it will use two of its developments – the soon-to-be opened Raithwaite Hall Country Retreat in Sandsend near Whitby and the Flaxby Country Resort near Harrogate – to host fundraising events.

The Skelwith Group will also host a charity golf day at the Flaxby golf course later this year and is sponsoring the T-shirts fundraisers for William will be wearing in the York 10k Jane Tomlinson Run. Darren Broadbent, a Skelwith Leisure director, said: “When we heard the story of William and everything he has to go through we knew that we had to do something to help.

“No one, let alone a child, should have to endure what William is going through. Both Raithwaite and the Flaxby, and our golf club will do their best to support the appeal in any way they can.”

William suffers from diamond blackfan anaemia, which leaves him unable to produce red blood cells.

He currently undergoes a blood transfusion a month and is likely to face serious health problems if he survives into his teenage years without a bone-marrow transplant.

People from across the country have been fundraising to pay for William’s treatment and aftercare.

Mrs Rhodes said: “It’s fantastic that such a company is throwing their weight behind our appeal. Every bit of support we get counts and we are very grateful to the Skelwith Group, and all those that are backing our appeal, for their support.”

A day-long martial arts event is being held to help raise money for William tomorrow.

World, European and British champions will fight at Sunday’s event at York College, which will feature martial arts including kickboxing and karate.

Spectator tickets costing £5 will be available on the day. The event will run from 10am to 5.30pm.