Boot campers raise money for young Harley

The rigorous morning of physical activity, organised by fitness instructor Richard Morris, aimed to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital's Hindbrain hernia unit, which helps young people suffering from a brain and spinal condition.

Those who took part were subject to a fun but challenging session at Himley Cricket Club to help the cause.

Richard, who also runs camps at Oldbury Wells School in Bridgnorth and Bridgnorth FC, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people at the charity event.

"The group did a lot of fun games but it was still a pretty tough camp and everyone did a great job to help raise money.

"All together we managed to raise over £300.

"To watch a small child in pain is distressing and it's awful knowing there is nothing you can do to take away the pain.

"This is why we wanted to raise money for this charity, so we could help in some way."

Richard, who has helped get hundreds of people into better shape with his unique Fit Body Boot Camps, hosted the charity session in honour of group member Paula Woods.

Her two -year-old grandson Harley Francis suffers from Chiari malformation, where the lower part of the brain is pushed downwards towards the spinal cord, below the skull. Paula, from Oldbury, said: "Harley was diagnosed in January and put under the care of surgeons at the hospital.

"Because of the condition, he will never be able to do things we may take for granted, such as horse riding, intense exercise or even heavy lifting.

"It can also affect his co-ordination and balance and he will have to be constantly monitored for the rest of his life."

Paula, who is taking part in a number of charity events to raise money for the cause, said of the event: "It was wonderful that so many people turned up to take part in the fitness boot camp.

"The kindness of strangers is overwhelming."