A SPORTS mad boy with a rare genetic condition will be pulling on his trainers for a colourful run to raise money for New Hope.

Aston Villa fan Luca Wooding, aged 12, has always wanted to take part in fundraising runs but his health has always got in the way.

Luca, who goes to Regency High School in Worcester, was born with Alagille syndrome, a condition which affects the liver and heart, ADHD and mild autism.

He has a stent in his right pulmonary artery and underwent reconstructive ear surgery in October last year.

But, after doctors gave him the all clear, his mum Amanda Paxton agreed the keen footballer could take part in Bristol Colour Vibe 5 on Sunday, May 17.

The mother-of-one from Droitwich, who volunteers for New Hope, said: "He's very sporty, very fit and loves his football and has always wanted to take part in something for charity but there was always something which meant he couldn't commit to it.

"He has been given the all clear by the doctors so I've agreed to let him take part in the colour run.

"There aren't enough places like New Hope offering the facilities and the long hours as well as a place for parents and carers of disabled children to meet each other and socialise.

"It's a fantastic place."

Mrs Paxton will be running alongside Luca to raise money for New Hope's Christmas lunch, organised by the charity's manager Jean Wilson to make sure parents of disabled children are able to enjoy a turkey dinner.

After reading about an elderly woman who spent £1,000 on a festive meal for other lonely people, Mrs Wilson thought the idea would benefit the charity's parents who also often felt isolated at Christmas.

Mrs Paxton said they would probably alternate between jogging and fast walking around the 5km route where participants are pelted with colour at every kilometre before joining a colour party at the end.

"Luca wants to run it but he needs someone alongside him for safety reasons, which will be me, so we will probably have to do a combination of jogging and slow walking.

"My biggest motivation to make it to the end will be my son because of what he's been through in his life and how far he has come and what he has achieved.

"When he was first diagnosed, we weren't sure whether he would talk or how he would do at school but now we are being told that he is on course to get a BTEC in sports leadership.

"There's my inspiration. Going from thinking he will never talk, never read, to be told he is going to get a proper qualification - that's amazing ."

Anyone wishing to donate should log on to justgiving.com/LucaNewHope.