A YOUNG martial artist’s love for his grandfather has inspired a charity kick-a-thon of breath-taking proportions.

Matthew Thompson and his friends at Kim Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo Club in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, hope to complete 10,000 kicks in just ten minutes to raise funds for the Progressive Supernuclear Palsy (PSP) Association.

Matthew’s grandfather, Gordon Douglas, 79, suffers from the rare degenerative condition and his family are keen to raise awareness of PSP.

And when 11-year-old Matthew discussed his fundraising idea with his fellow taekwondo students they were happy to help out.

On Thursday, June 30 – following weeks of training- the martial artists will assemble at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington for the challenging kick-a-thon.

Matthew, who attends Woodham Burn Community Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, said: “We had been collecting five pence pieces in a jar for PSP but we wanted to do something bigger. I love martial arts and it is always very exciting when my grandad comes to watch.”

PSP is a degenerative condition that is similar to Parkinson’s disease. It is very difficult to diagnose, especially in its early stages, and is often mistaken for Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

PSP can cause severe problems with balance, mobility, vision, speech and swallowing, and is caused by increasing numbers of brain cells being damaged over time.

Mr Douglas’ wife, Rosemary, cares for her husband in their home in Newton Aycliffe and has described the support given by the PSP Association as invaluable.

The couple are very proud of Matthew and are urging people to support the fundraising campaign.

“I think it’s marvellous,” said Mrs Douglas. “For an 11-year-old boy to be so aware of the situation and so determined to help is amazing. We are very touched by what Matthew and his friends are doing.”

Hannah Hatfield, master of Kim Chung Do Kwan, said: “Matthew is a passionate martial artist. It is inspiring to see him channelling that passion to help this under appreciated charity. His grandad has been truly supportive of his training, attending every grading, demonstration and presentation the club has put on. This is our opportunity to give something back to him for his support.”

The kick-a-thon takes place from 6pm to 7pm and the public is welcome to attend to cheer the kickers on.

To sponsor Matthew, visit just-giving.com/Kim-Chung-DO or text KCDK98 to 70077.