A SEVEN-year-old schoolboy, whose mother is fighting against cancer, showed he is also made of stern stuff by completing a charity run in aid of treatment to fight the condition.

Daniel Morant decided he wanted to do his bit for the Early Bird Appeal, aimed at raising £250,000 for new endoscopy equipment at Basingstoke hospital.

He was encouraged on the day by his grandparents, Terry and Jackie Morant, his mum Candena, his second-cousin Jamie Claymore and Liz Horne, the co-ordinator of the North Hampshire Medical Fund which is based at the hospital and is running the Early Bird Appeal.

The appeal cash will purchase highly-specialised probe cameras that can be used to find out if patients have cancers in their gut, oesophagus or stomach. The equipment can also be used with lasers to remove growths.

Liz said: "We need all the help we can get. The hospital has just got one £7.5million endoscopy unit for early diagnosis but we need a second. Daniel is certainly doing his bit. His efforts have raised about £300."

Daniel, from St Johns Road, Water Ridges, Oakley, ran two miles in freezing conditions around the streets of Oakley with his granddad Terry Mount, 51, and Jamie alongside for company - and he finished barely out of breath.

Donations to the Early Bird Appeal can be made by ringing 01256 314759.