A North East football club is rallying behind a five-year-old fan with a unique condition.
Arthur Hoult was diagnosed with an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last year, which is so rare he is the only person in the world to have ever had it.
South Shields FC is supporting Arthur, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, with a series of charity events planned for April to fund his trial treatment.
The football club, led by its operations director Carl Mowatt, aims to raise money for research into the novel treatment for Arthur's condition.
The club is coordinating a bucket collection fundraiser at a home match in the 1st Cloud Arena against Bishop’s Stortford, set to take place on April 6.
Following the match, the club is hosting a sportsman's dinner, including an auction to boost donations, featuring former football greats Kevin Ball and John Beresford.
Additionally, with the help of Newcastle United FC and Sunderland AFC, the club is organising a marathon, scheduled for April 21.
This marathon will start at South Shields, continue to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, and conclude at St James' Park, Newcastle.
To further increase awareness and donations for Arthur’s cause, an ex-pro and celebrity football game is lined up for June 2.
Arthur’s father, Ricky Hoult, is no stranger to fundraising – having previously taken part in the Great North Run – and plans to participate in the South Shields marathon on April 21.
Speaking of the support received, he said: "Arthur is a major football fan and we're honoured to have the backing of South Shields FC and Children’s Cancer North to increase consciousness regarding his sickness and accumulate contributions for further research on the cancer mutation."
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Mr Mowatt added: "South Shields FC is committed to reciprocating to our community, and Arthur's narrative is profoundly close to our hearts, particularly following the club owner, Geoff Thompson's, cancer diagnosis.
"We aspire to heighten awareness surrounding Arthur's illness, gather donations for Children's Cancer North's pioneering research, with a personal objective of accruing £5,000 from the three events, and bolster those impacted by paediatric oncology."
Book tickets for the marathon on April 21 here and find a link to the donation page here.
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