An Irvine fitness instructor has raised money that could help pay for life-changing surgery for a battling schoolboy.

Scott Brown raised £1,273 from his annual Boxing Day Charity Run in honour of Jackson Waddell’s appeal Scott hosts the event 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.

Scott says he was delighted to get a visit from Jackson who wanted to thank the former squaddie personally for his efforts.

Scott said: “I was pleased to get a visit from Team Waddell today. Jackson was full of his usual smiles and he brought me a lovely thank you picture which now takes pride and place in my office.

“Like all the fundraising I do, this brings me immense happiness knowing he is a step closer to getting the treatment and after care he needs and everybody that helped me in this latest fundraiser should be proud that it will go a long way in helping an amazing young lad who I’m very fond off.”

Jackson’ s family have been fundraising to take the six-year-old to America for a life changing operation which could 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. She added: “What a fantastic total today towards Jackson’ s operation.

“We can’t say enough thank you’ s to everyone, just know we appreciate every single penny and minute of time given to help us on our journey.”