A CAGE fighter's soft side has been revealed after he turned one of his biggest competitions into a fundraising event to send a boy with a muscle wasting disease on a dream holiday.

Michael Hodgson wants to use his next big event to raise money so five-year-old Ryan Bennett and his family, from Bishop Auckland, can go to Disneyland in Florida this summer.

Ryan, a pupil at Cockton Hill Infants School, in Bishop Auckland, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The genetic condition means his muscles cannot heal themselves and will grow weaker over time, eventually he will need a wheelchair and the disease will probably shorten his life.

After he was diagnosed with the condition in August 2014, a campaign was launched in his home town to give him, sister Amy, ten, and parents Alan Bennett, 30, and Rebecca Daniel, 29, the trip of a lifetime.

The cash crusade was kick-started in The Aclet pub but when fundraising stalled and organisers appealed for help Mr Hodgson, of West Auckland, decided to get involved.

The 29-year-old has taken part in mixed martial arts for four years and been offered sponsorship before but always turned it down.

When he learnt about Ryan he decided to take supporters up on their offer to sponsor him when he fights for a Machine MMA British title at Stanley Civic Hall, formerly The Lamplight Arts Centre, in Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday July 2.

The money will be donated to the family's holiday fund along with a donation from friend Richard Bowser's business The Bronzing Boutique at Meadowfield, Durham, and proceeds of a family fun day to be held at The March Hare pub and restaurant, Tindale Crescent.

Mr Hodgson said: "I have a business The Tanning Lounge, in West Auckland, and got an email about donating a raffle prize, I thought I could better than that so it went from 60 mins in the salon to turning my title fight into a sponsored event in aid of Ryan.

"There are lots of good people in cage fighting and it is well followed so it is nice to be able to put it to good use."

Student nurse Miss Daniel said the family wants to give Ryan and his sister a fantastic holiday before his condition deteriorates.

She said: "We want him and Amy to have lots of fun and enjoy a special holiday while he is still mobile and can get about to enjoy it.

"It will also be a chance for us as a family to make some lasting memories while times are good.

"We really appreciate all the support, what Michael is doing is wonderful."

To support the family visit gofundme.com/ryansdmdfund