THE quest to buy a motorised wheelchair for a little boy who has cerebral palsy has been given a big boost by a squad of slimmers.

Five-year-old Jack Mordecai was born prematurely at 27 weeks, before a scan showed cysts on the left side of his brain when he was 20 days old.

Then, at 12 months, came the devastating news came that Jack had cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement and co-ordination.

So far in his life, Lansbury Bridge pupil Jack has been unable to walk or sit unaided, and has been in and out of hospital countless times.

His latest spell in hospital saw him undergo a double hip reconstruction.

Jack’s family lives opposite St Patrick’s Church, at Loughrigg Avenue, Clinkham Wood, and the Moss Bank slimming group, which uses the church as a base, has pulled together to support him.

Fifty slimmers took part in a six-week national campaign, which aimed to help people lose weight and improve their health. They shed 395.5lb in weight between them and raised financial pounds, meaning £530 will go towards helping Jack have daily physiotherapy and funding a motorised wheelchair, which will cost £8,000.

Group member Kath Laithwaite, a 38-year-old cleaner, completed the St Helens 10k, Liverpool half marathon and Manchester marathon, as part of the sponsorship drive.

“Supporting a worthwhile cause like Jack Mordecai has given everyone a special focus and real commitment to their weight-loss goals,” said group leader and Slimming World consultant Nicola Beveridge.

“When members started talking about raising money for Jack and what we could all do together, there really was no stopping us.”

Jack’s mum Andrea added: “It means the absolute world to us as a family, seeing how much people care about our son and want to make a difference to his life, giving him the best opportunities and independence.

“He has recently come out of hospital after having a double hip reconstruction. It was hard to take seeing him in such pain afterwards, but the likes of the community pulling together for him has given us immense strength.”

It is hoped a special bank account will soon be set up for people to be able to donate money towards Jack.

Anyone wishing to make a donation for Jack can contact Nicola on 07905 047169.