A KIND-HEARTED builder is hoping to raise thousands of pounds towards life-changing treatment for a youngster with cerebral palsy.

Ian Wall, a builder on Darlington's Pedestrian Heart project, is raising money for three-year-old Oscar Worton, who has cerebral palsy, a life-long condition which affects movement and posture.

Money raised by Mr Wall will enable Oscar to continue his twice-yearly treatment at the Bobath Centre, in London, which experts say could improve his condition.

Doctors hope the treatment could help Oscar, who was diagnosed with the condition when he was only a few months old, to walk unaided.

Mr Wall, 48, from Eaglescliffe, started raising money for Oscar two years ago after reading of the youngster's plight.

He has previously had his back waxed for the cause and is now hoping to raise the £2,800 needed for Oscar's next two weeks of intensive treatment by holding a prize draw in Darlington.

He has already raised £1,300 in cash donations from local businesses and ticket sales. Many companies have also donated prizes for the raffle.

Mr Wall said: "I used to run a junior football team, and when I read the article, I thought 'there's me training lads to play football and there's this poor little boy who can't even walk'. Especially with him being a local boy, I just had to try and help."

He said he had an excellent response from businesses in the area. Mr Wall said: "All the businesses in Darlington and the surrounding area have been brilliant."

Oscar's mother, Julie, of Forest Lane, in Kirklevington, said she couldn't thank Mr Wall enough.

"Ian has been amazing," she said, adding that the sessions were invaluable for Oscar, and the treatment showed her how to help his development on a day-to-day basis.

She said: "We are really pleased with his progress.

"It is amazing that there are people out there like Ian. He's just been absolutely superb. It is a godsend for me and my family."

* The prize draw will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 4pm, in Darlington town centre. Tickets are available at the work site near the Market Place on the day or in advance from Borges, in Stockton, or Mr Wall on 07970-125372.