STAFF at Keighley Leisure Centre have rallied round to support a receptionist who has battled kidney disease all her adult life.

Mum-of-two Julie Dobson is awaiting a kidney transplant, after two previous operations were unsuccessful.

Fellow workers at the leisure centre have staged a fun day to raise money for two charities close to her heart.

A huge range of activities was on offer, including badminton, table tennis, squash, taekwondo, a bouncy castle, swimming lesson taster sessions and the chance to learn how to become a lifeguard.

There was also a fire engine, soft play area, tombola, raffle, cake stall and refreshments.

Proceeds will be split between Bradford and Airedale Kidney Patients Association and Kidney Research.

"Everybody at the leisure centre has been absolutely brilliant – they have worked so hard and given their free time to organise the event," said Mrs Dobson, 48, of Denholme.

"But family of staff have also helped out. It's been a huge team effort and I'm really grateful to everyone.

"The turnout was absolutely amazing. It's been non-stop.

"We have had open days in the past, but this was the first fun day in aid of charity and it was a massive success."

Mrs Dobson was in her late teens when kidney problems began to show.

"I lost my first baby during pregnancy and they carried out tests and knew there was something wrong," said Mrs Dobson, who now has two grown-up daughters.

"At first they could manage the condition with medication but eventually I needed dialysis.

"I had a transplant in 1995 and a second in 2009, but that has also failed."

She now travels to St Luke's Hospital in Bradford three times a week for four-hour dialysis sessions, while she awaits another transplant.

"You try as best you can to lead a normal life but it is difficult," she said.

"There's no telling when another kidney may become available – it's a lottery.

"Some people can wait for years. I've been lucky to get two."

Mrs Dobson said she was delighted, thanks to colleagues, to be able to support the two charities.

"Bradford and Airedale Kidney Patients Association raises funds to improve patients' lives locally and provides things such as days out – it does wonderful work," she added.