HAMPSHIRE fundraisers dug deep to present a cheque for £1,000 to an 11-year-old boy from Hythe struck down with a terrible illness.

Saints-mad Joshua Edwards was diagnosed with an inner birthmark' last December causing him to be paralysed from the armpits down for the rest of his life.

The condition is so rare that the former Noadswood school pupil is only one of 28 people in the world to be diagnosed with it.

Members of the Ashlett Club in Fawley donated the money from the club's charity fund after raising the money through the club's weekly meat draw.

The money will go to a trust fund set up by Joshua's grandmother to help pay for his care for the rest of his life.

Joshua attended the presentation with his mum and dad, Colin and Alison, his grandmother Carol and his brothers and sister.

Brian Hughes, a member of the club, said: "It went extremely well and we had a lot of people turn up at the club. We were not expecting Joshua to turn up but we had some big strapping lads to pick him up in his wheelchair and lift him into the building. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon."

If you would like to donate or read Joshua's story in his own words visit .