HELP me make a Hampshire toddler’s dream come true.

That’s the plea from Southampton boxer Chris Hobbs, who needs more sponsors in his bid to help James Mills achieve his ambition to walk.

Two-year-old James, of Hythe, was born with cerebral palsy and is unable to take a single step without help.

He needs a procedure known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, which can boost mobility by cutting the faulty nerves responsible for muscle rigidity.

But the life-changing operation is not available on the NHS, which means James’s family must fund the £50,000 surgery themselves.

As reported in the Daily Echo Chris and his brother-in-law Adam Sullivan aim to raise thousands of pounds by cycling from Southampton to Scotland and then scaling Ben Nevis.

The two men are hard in training for the event, which starts on July 5. They have already received help from three companies – Tew Brothers Ltd, Cycle Experience in Hythe and Thompson Composite Mouldings.

Chris, 26, of Sholing, said: “These companies have provided support, vehicles and help with the cost of hotels.

“Sponsorship is going OK but it’s a little slow and could always be better. I’ve just got to keep pushing on.”

Chris said he had already raised £600 but was hoping to net between £5,000 and £10,000.

He added: “I like helping children’s charities and James is a good little kid.

“It will take Adam and I three days to cycle the 350 miles to Scotland. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles but I’ve climbed it before so I know it’s do-able.”

James’s mum Vicki, 28, said the appeal had so far raised £5,300.

She added that her son was about to be fitted with hip and leg splints in a bid to stretch his muscles and improve his mobility. She added: “He’s soldiering through but I hate seeing him in pain. I just wish I had the money.”

Anyone who wants to help can call Chris on 07517 121544 or visit justgiving.com/Chris-HobbsJWTW.