A team of cape-clad superheroes raised more than £1,000 for a stem cell donor charity at Hornchurch Sports Centre.

Romford Recorder: They were raising funds for Anthony Nolan, the charity that helped their former manager Chris Spencer.They were raising funds for Anthony Nolan, the charity that helped their former manager Chris Spencer. (Image: Archant)

Staff members donned the famous outfits in order to raise funds for Anthony Nolan, the charity that has helped their former general manager receive a stem cell transplant.

Chris Spencer, 47, was diagnosed with leukaemia in June, and underwent surgery on October 29.

He is now receiving treatment at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London three times a week, and will do so for the next year.

Though he couldn’t attend the event, he saw the pictures of his former colleagues and praised them for raising awareness of the charity.

Speaking about Anthony Nolan, he said: “They contacted me in September to say they had found a match. It was fantastic, a lot of people wait for years.

“Everything is moving in the right direction, although I am living like a monk and can’t mix with people. It’s really hard.”

Chris was able to find a donor, but he knows more people need to sign up to the register.

“We need to try to raise awareness. There are 470,000 people on the register and 70,000 in need of a donor.

“I am grateful to everyone who turned out on Friday.”

More than 200 people attended the event, enjoying a variety of sport taster sessions including badminton, swimming and squash on the day.

A raffle was also held for a year’s free membership worth over £500.

The centre is run by Everyone Active, and acting general manager Stuart Potter says they were “only too pleased” to host the day on November 22.

He added: “Chris was lucky enough to find a match through the charity, but half of those in desperate need won’t so we wanted to do our bit to raise awareness.

“There was a great buzz on the day and I want to thank everyone who took part and made it successful.”