Wrapped in comfy onesies, 45 people walked through St Albans city centre to raise more than £2,000 for research into a blood disorder that is so rare just 1,100 are afflicted worldwide.

The fundraisers took part in the recent sponsored “Onesie Walk” in support of brave Sue Browning, who has undergone over 500 transfusions and has needed a full-time carer since being on life support for four months in 2010.

The 34 year old has a blood disorder called Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) which is so rare that there are only about 125 known cases in the UK.

It is caused by a failure within the bone marrow. As people with DBA do not make any new blood cells, iron builds up and stores in major organs – Sue’s iron levels are about 25 times higher than normal. She is nearly blind, has lost all of her hair and teeth and has mobility and chronic immune system problems.

Sue’s mum Lynn Jones said: “The walk went really well. Sue managed to last the whole day and evening, for the raffle, race night and auction.”

Lynn said that Sue really appreciated all the local support, including a visit from one of her “favourite” former teachers from Townsend School who attended a race night at New Greens Social Club after the walk.

Sue had already raised £1,000 ahead of the event, and has now hit her £3,000 target for DBA UK, a charity which supports families of sufferers and funds vital research projects.

Lynn thanked supporters, including independent taxi driver George Watson and Gold Line Taxis St Albans which provided six vehicles to transport participants, particularly those with disabilities, to New Greens, in response to a request in the Herts Advertiser.

You can still donate to the charity by texting Sue’s justgiving page on 70070 - SUEB80 followed by the amount.