Every time he sneezes, six-year-old Avengers superfan Lincoln Gash risks breaking his ribs.

In his short life he has fractured his skull, arm, and part of his spine simply by falling down or crawling on the floor.

His home in Southcote, Reading, is the only place the youngster doesn’t use a wheelchair due to the fragility of his bones which is brought on by a rare genetic condition called osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) – but soon that chair will be unusable.

“As a mum it’s been hard, and it’s been harder than I thought to be honest, seeing him go through the pain actually knowing what that pain is,” said his mother Amanda, who lives with the same disability.

OI means a the collagen in a person's bones is missing, reduced or of low quality, making them brittle and requiring frequent major operations to insert metal rods inside.

Reading Chronicle: Lincoln playing his favourite game, MinecraftLincoln playing his favourite game, Minecraft

“I’ve broken bones from sneezing before and he’s broken ribs from that as well,” said Amanda, who as a teenager suffered fractures up to six times a week, including from rolling over in bed.

‘Our little Avenger’

Fitted with a 'port-a-cath', a device placed under the skin of his chest to aid treatment, Lincoln likes to pretend he’s Iron Man, complete with his own Arc Reactor – the fictional device which powers the superhero’s suit in the movie.

“That’s the way we’ve got him through things – he’s Iron Man, he’s strong, he tries his hardest, and he’s absolutely Avenger mad.”

Also helping Lincoln live with his condition is his puppy Daisy, Minecraft, and a specialist, ultra-lightweight wheelchair - but his family need to raise £3,000 for a new one that fits him properly as he grows older.

Read more: 'Aladdin's Cave of toys' opens after 18-month Covid closure

Reading Chronicle: Lincoln and his dog DaisyLincoln and his dog Daisy

Amanda and her husband Mathew are running a ‘fun day’ at St Barnabas Church in Elm Road, Reading, on September 18 to fundraise for the vital equipment.

Anyone can attend from 11.30am and take part in fete favourites like lucky dip, tombola, and tug of war.

Read more: Suicidal owner praises 'hero dog' for saving her life

A raffle will be held at 4pm with prizes contributed by Mixture Tattoo Studio, Meadway Barbers, Odds Farm Park, Marc Antoni hair salon in Woodley and more.

You can also donate here.

“Peoples generosity has humbled me and I’m really grateful for everybody’s support. We’d love to see as many people there as possible,” said Amanda, after £720 was donated so far.