FUNDRAISERS across the North-East are getting together to raise money for a boy with a rare type of brain tumour.

Eight-year-old Elliott Lamb, of Marsden, near South Shields, Tyneside, suffers from a condition which causes him to have up to ten epileptic seizures a day.

The seizures are caused by a tumour, called a hypothalamic hamartoma, which sits deep in his brain and cannot be removed by conventional surgery.

Elliott's parents, Jacqueline and Stephen, want to take him to Australia where a team of surgeons has pioneered a way of opening up the skull and separating the two halves of the brain so the tumour can be removed.

They need to raise £30,000 for the surgery and aftercare, and are holding a series of fundraising events.

Elliott will be the official starter for the Catherine Cookson Great North Dog Walk, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday along the South Shields coast.

The event attracts thousands of entrants from across the country and aims to raise £10,000 for animal charities, as well as for Elliott's appeal.

Volunteers from The Prince's Trust have organised a celebrity sports quiz, featuring local football, rugby and cricket stars. It will take place on Friday, July 20, at 7.30pm at Westoe Rugby Union Club. Tickets cost £5 and are available on 0191-514 9336.

For more information about the walk, visit the website at www.cooksondogwalk.co.uk