A CHARITY ball raised more than £8,000 for a Hampshire youngster.

The event at the Botley Park Hotel was in aid of six-year-old Archie King – who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of just three.

And Archie’s schoolfriends also pledged to raise cash with a non-uniform day at their school.

The youngsters at St James Church of England Primary School in West End will be donating £780 from a non-uniform day to Archie.

Now it means Archie will be closer to his target of £60,000 which he needs to pay for a “life-changing” operation.

As reported, Archie and his family – mum Stephanie, dad Christopher and little brother Avery – are trying to raise the cash for Archie to have surgery.

That involves cutting some of the nerve fibres that are responsible for spasticity, would be life-changing.

It would mean the tightness in Archie’s muscles is eliminated, dramatically improving his quality of life.

Now he has been accepted by doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital – with the operation scheduled for next June or July.

Stephanie said: “It’s amazing. The school also do something for Children in Need but this year they have said they will do it for a child in need – Archie.

“The money from the ball is brilliant.”

Stephanie – who works as a hairdresser – has also organised a Winter Wonderland Fete at the Hilldene Centre in West End on December 1.

Special guests include Olaf, Santa Claus, and Stormtroopers .

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/just4children/cpandmearchiesstory