Hollie-Jo Horsfield, aged 10, has regularly spoken publicly about having Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome – a genetic condition which can lead to leukaemia. There are only 30 known children with it.

With her mum Tracy, Hollie has spoken on Calendar and This Morning about the allergies, black-outs and fatigue the illness causes.

Her sister Bethany, 12, has recently been diagnosed with the same condition which affects many organs in the body, including bone marrow, pancreas and skeleton.

The Horsfield family raises money for the only charity linked to the illness, Shwachman-Diamond Support, but now cash is being raised for them.

Family friends Emma Fletcher and Glen Simon organised a fundraiser at the Barfield Arms in Cross Bank, Batley, on Saturday night. They hoped to raise £2,000 to send the whole family to Florida.

Emma said: "They're absolutely bonny little girls. To look at them you wouldn't think they are poorly, but if they go swimming on a Wednesday they are absolutely shattered on a Thursday.

"They can't really lead a normal life but they are two very brave little girls and still have fun."

Tracy, of Boundary Street, Heckmondwike, said: "Emma's always said she'd do something to support us and she just rang out of the blue and said she wanted to do this."

• Tickets are also available for a Shwachman-Diamond Support charity ball on November 2 at the Holiday Inn, Brighouse.

Tickets are £35 and available from Tracy Horsfield on 01924 407839.

There will be a disco and meal included and other entertainment which is yet to be confirmed.