AN INSPIRATIONAL schoolboy is taking on a gruelling challenge to help raise funds for a new lightweight wheelchair.

Angus Spiers will travel eight miles from Rivermead to Sonning along the Thames Path on August 19 in a bid to replace his older and heavier chair.

The seven-year-old faced major surgery within days of his birth to close an open lesion on his spine and he continues to defy medical expectations after being born with Spina Bifida.

His plucky determination amazes his friends and teachers at Thameside Primary School in Caversham by making the most of life.

Mother Tanya said: “Angus is such a positive little boy and it would make his year to have a new wheelchair that would enable him to do the daring tricks in the skateboard park alongside his brothers.

"He is looking forward to taking on his eight-mile challenge in August. We will be doing lots of training wheels in the lead up to his event.

"He continues to be an incredibly brave, determined little boy. Angus' condition affects his co-ordination, balance, ability to walk and many other aspects of his development.”

Angus, who needs to raise £2,344 for the wheelchair, enjoys being active and spending time with his two older brothers and friends at school.

A new lightweight chair would allow him to get involved with wheelchair motocross (WCMX) which is the equivalent of skateboarding for people with mobility issues.

Tanya added: "We want to make one special little boy's life easier and enable him to be more independent by providing him with the means to keep up with his peers.

"His Spina Bifida means he increasingly faces challenges just to get through his day. As he grows his nerve damage struggles to keep up with his development."

Angus will be joined by friends and family for his fundraising challenge next month after being inspired by WCMX champion Aaron Fotheringham.

He will be joined by friends and family for his sporting fundraiser next month and you can help by visiting gofundme.com/littleanguswheelchairfund and donating.