A charity set up in memory of a four-year-old who died of cancer has helped save up to 30,000 lives since it was launched 20 years ago.

The Joely Bear Appeal was launched in 1996 by Leigh and Lisa Renak, of Park Crescent, Elstree, who lost their son Joel to a rare form of liver cancer in 1994.

Since then, more than 10,000 units of blood have been donated at 60 donation sessions and 1,000 people have joined the bone marrow register.

To mark the milestone, more than 170 people joined celebrations at Elstree Film Studios, in Shenley Road, last Thursday.

Guests included Rabbi Alan Plancey and John Patullo, chairman of NHS Blood and Transfusion service.

Mr Pattullo, the keynote speaker, said: “I was delighted to join Rabbi Alan Plancey, the Renak family, their friends and supporters at the 20th anniversary dinner.

“Joel Renak’s legacy is truly remarkable, inspiring thousands of people from within the community to donate blood and stem cells, saving patient lives.

“On behalf of NHS Blood and Transplant I am immensely grateful to everyone involved.”

Rabbi Plancey proposed a toast to the appeal and was in turn presented with an award recognising his unstinting support for the cause.

Danny Lishak, trustee to the appeal, welcomed all the guests and paid tribute to the key sponsors for the evening, Cllr Alan Plancey, Cllr Leon Reefe, Morris Bright and Cllr Caroline Clapper.

Leigh Renak, Joel’s father, said: “This was a fantastic evening, allowing us to say a huge thank-you to the vast number of friends who have supported Joely Bear for the last 20 years.”

Mr Renak also announced Joely Bears latest fundraising project to provide a friendly and comfortable environment at Barnet General Hospital for looking after children and teenagers being treated for childhood cancers.

The Joely Bear Appeal has also raised more than £200,000 for good causes including a rooftop playground at Barnet Hospital, a sensory room at Great Ormond Street Hospital and equipment at Kings College Hospital and Watford General Hospital.