FUNDRAISERS in Saltney rode out the day as part of a gruelling charity challenge in aid of an eight-year-old boy.

A total of 32 people took part in the biking fundraiser, held outside Hair Couture, Victoria Road on Friday, August 13, riding non-stop from 9.30am-6.30pm.

Lois Roberts, salon owner, said a fantastic sum of £1,455.20 was raised for Lois's eight-year-old nephew Joseph Roberts.

Joseph, from Huyton, Merseyside, has an extremely rare genetic disorder called muscular dystrophy Duchenne, which affects just 3,000 boys worldwide.

It is not only a life-limiting disease but also terminal as it will eventually reach his lungs and heart, and is the most rapidly aggressive childhood neuromuscular disease.

Joseph's dad Simon, writing on the Justgiving page set up to raise money for potentially life-saving medical treatment in the US, wrote: "Joseph Roberts is my eight-year-old son, he is our world and the most amazing thing to ever happen to me and my wife.

"He is a wonderful loving young boy, and he dreams of one day being a UFC champion. He loves football is a crazy Liverpool FC fan, enjoys watching WWE and playing his PlayStation, he has so much life and love to give.

"We are living our worst nightmare having to watch our pride and joy literally deteriorate in front of our eyes.

"It is heartbreaking to see our once active and bubbly boy struggle with the frustration of not being able to play football or ride his bike in the street with friends, getting him out of bed and moving around takes great effort and causes him excruciating pain.

"The transformation Joseph has already gone through is irreversible but there is a chance we can prolong and hopefully save his life.

"Joseph has the chance to go to the US to receive critical care and take part in a trial for a treatment that is not yet on the market.

"In order for him to take part, we need to raise enough money to travel and pay for his treatment and care.

"The opportunity to be a part of these trials does not come around often and we want to do anything within our power to ensure Joseph has a fighting chance at beating this disease. He has given his all to come this far and has taken the battle on his own terms, it is now up to us to ensure he has every opportunity to carry on fighting.

"Any donations, small or large will make a huge difference in helping save our beautiful boy, he truly is one of a kind. Thank you!"

So far, about £15,000 has been raised via Justgiving donations alone.

Lois added there were plans to take the 'Don't Stop the Wheels' bike on tour to other locations to raise awareness and funds for Joseph's cause, and thanks should go to Lauren Humphries for organising the event.