Gilbanks’ company charity, the Luma Foundation, brought together Yorkshire’s business community to raise £88,797, helping to fund vital medical equipment for Leeds Children’s Hospital.
The money will fund the purchase of two additional Photobiomodulation (PBM) units. These machines use safe red light therapy to reduce the pain and severity of mucositis, a painful condition caused by cancer treatment. Mucositis can leave children unable to eat, drink or speak, and often leads to further hospital stays.
The funds were raised at the Luma Foundation’s second Charity Clay Day near Rievaulx Abbey, where businesses and donors from across the region gathered to show their support. Guests took part in a shooting competition, followed by an auction of prizes donated by local companies.
Alex Duckett, chairman of the Luma Foundation, said the event’s success was proof of what can be achieved when people work together. “We know what it is like to sit at a bedside and hope. So to be able to give something back is a real honour. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we will be able to get these machines into the hospital to make an immediate difference.”
The PBM machines follow previous Luma-funded projects, including a surgical training simulator for Leeds and MRI-compatible ventilation equipment for premature babies in Sheffield.
The Luma Foundation will continue its efforts to support the purchase of advanced medical equipment that enhances care for children and strengthens medical training in hospitals across Yorkshire. It organises fundraising events and actively seeks partnership opportunities with businesses across the region.
Trustee, Clementine Duckett, added: “We made a promise when we started this charity that we would not let donations sit in a bank account. We spend what we raise. Every pound goes on specialist equipment that is not available through NHS funding. We are here to support children who are going through the toughest times in their lives.”
To find out more or to donate, visit lumafoundation.org.uk
