Generous fundraisers, seeking to help a desperately ill teenager, have been left disgusted by sick thieves who have stolen money donated for him.

"Inspirational" Luke Harrison, 15, has been diagnosed with leukaemia and been told he will need a bone marrow transplant.

The youngster, a pupil at Thornton Grammar School, may also need chemotherapy and will be in hospital or in home isolation recovery for the next year.

Families in Clayton rallied round to support Luke and his family after hearing of his plight, with a mega fun day at the cricket club on Sunday, July 27, to raise money.

But now heartless thieves have stolen hundreds of pounds, donated to Luke, during a burglary at a pub in Clayton.

Customers at the Royal Hotel had given around £250, in two jars on the bar and in the hallway - clearly marked as fundraisers for Luke.

The raiders also stole the till, containing around £1,500, bottles of spirits, and at least £500 from bandit machines after breaking in through the pub cellar.

Pub landlord Simon Greaves said: "Everybody who comes in the pub is disgusted by what has happened."

Luke's mum, Rosie, a childminder, said: "People have gone out of their way to be kind when we are struggling to get our heads round the situation. For someone to stoop so low to taint that kindness is appalling. I would ask whoever has taken it to think about what they have done and return it."

The mother-of-three added: "Our lives have been tipped upside down but we are determined to fight this disease. The thing that has amazed us throughout is Luke’s bravery, positivity and continued caring nature. He worries about the effect this will have on his siblings and is always checking that we are okay. He is an amazing, inspirational son who we love to the ends of the earth."

Businesses and individuals are being urged to dig deep and donate prizes for an auction and raffle on the fun day in July, or to advertise in the programme.

Fundraiser Mary Sykes said: "With his mum being a child minder in the village for over 15 years you can imagine the number of lives the family has touched. We have a Facebook page set up as well – Team Luke Kicks Leukaemia – to advertise all donations, as well as the amounts raised and future events."

Luke was diagnosed with leukaemia after complaining of headaches and looking very pale.

Anyone who can help support the fun day or would like to advertise in the programme, can call Andrea Eli on 07885987738, Becky Stephenson on 0790014669, or Mary Sykes on 07968891151.

Sergeant Gary Jeggo, of the Bradford West Area Neighbourhood Team, said: "An amount of cash and alcohol was taken in the raid, which is believed to have occurred between 3.20am and 5am on Saturday.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact PCSO 354 Shah on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."