A CHAMPION boxer is putting on his running shoes to raise money for a boy with cerebral palsy.

This weekend, super-bantamweight commonwealth champion Isaac "Argie" Ward will run from Northallerton, in North Yorkshire, to Darlington to raise money for three-year-old Oscar Worton.

The 16-mile sponsored run is one of a number of fundraising activities being held to help improve the quality of life for Oscar, from Kirklevington, near Yarm, near Stockton.

Builder Ian Wall, from Eaglescliffe, also near Stockton, is organising the run, along with a charity auction and music evening next Thursday.

The Darlington boxer will be running alongside Christopher Watson, a director of property development company Lander Be, Christopher Watson, and Mike Maunders, a friend of Mr Wall, will accompany them on his bike.

They will leave from Northallerton market place at 9am on Sunday.

Birse Civils will also be providing a support vehicle for the runners.

The charity auction takes place at Darlington Dolphin Centre, on Thursday, from 7pm to 11pm.

Items donated so far include a pair of Argie's boxing gloves, a flat screen TV, a year's subscription to Fitness First and a football endorsed by Ronaldhino.

There will also be music by The Lurios, soul singer Dawn and singer-songwriter Bo Cayce.

Oscar has to attend twice-yearly sessions at the Bobath Centre, in London, which specialises in treating patients with cerebral palsy.

The treatment could eventually help Oscar to walk unaided.

Mr Wall said: "It costs £3,000 a year for Oscar's treatment and in nine weeks, we've managed to raise £10,810, which will help him for the next 18 months or so.

"After these events we're hoping to get even more.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped and I'd be keen to hear from anyone else who wants to help.

"If people would like to cheer on Argie and the rest of the runners as they come back into Darlington Market Square that would be fantastic."

Argie, 30, said he was always willing to take part in sponsored events when approached.

He said: "I'm proud to be doing this for him. I enjoy trying to help people out, especially as I'm able-bodied."

The boxer, from Darlington, does not usually run beyond ten miles, but is confident he will be able to complete Sunday's run without too much difficulty.

And he urged people to support him, adding: "I want everyone to get behind me and put their hands in their pockets and raise some money for this lad."

There are still tickets available for the charity auction which cost £10.

They are available from the Dolphin Centre, or by calling Mr Wall on 07970-125372.