LITTLE Jackson Waddell is a step closer to receiving life-changing surgery thanks to a big-hearted Irvine fitness instructor.

Scott Brown is hosting his annual Boxing Day Charity Run in honour of Jackson’s appeal - for the second year in a row.

Scott hosts the even at Dundonald Castle every year but usually changing his chosen charity, however this year he decided to raise money once again for Jackson who suffers from cerebral palsy, meaning he needs a frame to walk.

For more than a year Jackson’s family have been fundraising to take the six-year-old to America for a life-changing operation which tcould help him walk unaided.

The Irvine family needs at least £70,000 to pay for Jackson’s operation and subsequent medical care and, so far, have managed to raise just over £50,000.

Mum Jacqueline Waddell says she is “so grateful” Scott is hosting his Boxing Day event in Jackson’s honour once again.

She said: “It’s just a lovely gesture, once again from Scott. We can’t thank him enough.

“I know that he likes to choose a different charity or cause every year so for him to choose Jackson again this year as well as last, means a lot. We are so grateful to him and to everyone who has helped get us where we are with the fundraising. We just can’t say enough thank yous.”

Scott says Jackson’s infectious smile made his decision to help him, an easy one.

“I seen his story last year and decided someone local like myself could generate money through fundraising.

“We raised more than £1,000 and managed to connect his family to a previous family I helped a few years ago that had money left over after their child had treatment so they donated it to Jackson too.

“I usually change who I fundraise for every time but the quicker he gets this money the quicker he can go to America for the treatment so I decided we would do it for Jackson again this Boxing Day.

“Also the wee man’s infectious, he seems to have a smile you want to help.”

Scott Brown Fitness will host the annual charity run jog or walk at Dundonald Castle on Boxing Day 10am start.

Entry fee will be £7 which includes a medal and bottle of water.

£75 cash prize for both male and female winners of the 10km sponsored by Hands Gas in Irvine

Trophies for both male and female winners of both 5km and 10km runs.

There will be a raffle there on the day with some great prizes to be won.

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jacqueline-waddell.