A SCHOOLBOY whose efforts to help the hospital which saved his young brother's life won widespread celebrity support has presented the first £25,000 raised.

George Mathias, from Eccleston, whose campaign to run a mile for each month that he has spent with six-year-old brother James who was saved at Alder Hey, has gained support from a host of famous figures who have joined him for a jog.

The 11-year-old presented the first £25,000 raised to the hospital which has purchased specialist heated baby cots with the money.

And he even got to meet the first baby to use of the hospital's new cots.

Figures who have joined George for runs include sports stars such as Saints captain Jon Wilkin, former skippers Paul Sculthorpe and Paul Wellens, Liverpool FC legends Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and John Barnes, gymnast Beth Tweddle, Everton's Leighton Baines and Olympic swimmer Fran Halsall.

Comedians John Bishop, Jason Manford and paddy McGuiness have also joined him for a trek as well as soap stars including Kelvin Fletcher from Emmerdale and Coronation Street’s Samia Longchambon.

Lady Derby has also joined him on a run around Knowsley Hall and Safari Park.

"The money has purchased four specialist heated baby cots," said George's dad Richard.

"George got to meet the first baby in one of his cots, baby Theo, who has had heart surgery and is now recovering."

See runwithgeorge.com for more.