A charity set up in memory of a boy who died of cancer has been given a grant for its next blood donation session.

The Joely Bear Appeal, based in Elstree, has received £250 from Councillor Morris Bright’s Hertsmere Borough Council's locality budget.

The appeal was founded in 1995 by the Renak family after four-year-old Joel Renak lost a year-long battle with liver cancer.

Since then the charity has recruited more than 1,400 new donors and held sessions to give blood three times a year, as well as raising money for hospitals and research into cancers in children.

Leigh Renak from The Joely Bear Appeal said: “We have been working with the NHS in the Hertsmere area to promote blood donation for 20 years now. 

“Giving blood helps save lives in emergency situations and also helps people who are undergoing long-term treatment, yet it is quick, easy and painless.”

The next session will be held at Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue, in Croxdale Road on June 22.

For more information, visit www.joelybear.org.uk