The parents of an 11-year-old boy, whose wish is to talk eye-to-eye with his friends, have re-organised a fitness fundraiser after previously seeing it cancelled by Covid.

Bobby Allen, from Worcester, was diagnosed with Type 3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) when he was 23 months old.

He subsequently lost the ability to walk independently at three, and has since relied on either a manual wheelchair or powerchair to get around.

Bobby, who is a keen powerchair footballer, is starting secondary school next year.

In a touching appeal, Bobby said: "Iam a 'normal' 11-year-old boy. I'm funny, kind, smart, friendly, and look out for others.

"I also enjoy football and gaming, my only difference is I'm disabled.

"This powerchair will have a rising function so I can rise up to be at the same eye level as my friends (we are all really tall) and teachers when they talk to me.

"I will be able to reach the high tables in the classrooms and I can also reach up to the ice cream van when he comes around.

"This powerchair will also give me a bit more speed, not formula one style, but it will allow me to leave the classrooms at the same time as my peers and reach class on time.

"Due to my condition, I am also likely to develop Scoliosis, where my spine can curve.

"This new powerchair will give me a better position and support my spine better."

Bobby said the chair would help him with stretches he needs to do every day.

He added: "I love Liverpool FC and I also love gaming. I have a little brother Freddy who is six and we have a great time together, we do also fight but that's normal brotherly love."

Bobby's family will receive a small amount of money from charity Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK but it won't cover the full £5,000 cost of the chair.

In a previous attempt to make up the shortfall needed to get Bobby his chair, his parents Ally and Stuart organised a marathon fitness challenge with the help of close friend and owner of Surr-Fit training Irene Surridge at Perdiswell leisure centre in November.

However, after Irene tested positive for Covid just days before the event, they had to cancel and the event has been re-scheduled for this Sunday.

The fundraiser, dubbed 'Bobby's Super Strength Sunday' is a marathon of classes including Body Combat, Sh'bam, L1FT, R1ZE and more.

A minimum donation of £10 for one of the classes is required, with the trio asking for a minimum of £20 donations for all four hours.

All the money raised will go towards Bobby's chair.

The event will run from 9am-1pm on Sunday, January 9 at Perdiswell leisure centre.

Advanced bookings can be made by following the link, here.

Alternatively, you can donate online, here.