A personal trainer and firefighter has organised a charity day to raise funds for a 3-year-old boy from Bromsgrove who suffered a stroke.
Russ Godfrey, aged 38, owns Swesh Personal Training in Kidderminster and is set to host a charity rounders day this weekend to help support the Reuben's Road to Recovery fund.
The fundraiser aims to support football-mad toddler, Reuben Mather, who was left unable to talk after suffering a significant paediatric stroke just weeks before his third birthday.
The youngster, who is a big Derby County fan, was getting ready for bath time on May 1 when he suddenly put his hand to his head and started grimacing.
After struggling to get out of the bath, his mum, Holly, quickly called 999 when she noticed the right side of his face drop.
Reuben has since started his journey to recovery after the stroke on the left side of his brain caused him to lose mobility in his right arm and leg and he will need to learn how to talk again.
Mr Godfrey, who is from Kidderminster, said: "We started running the charity sports day in 2018 and it has just grown ever since. We always try to support a charity or fundraiser that aims to help a young person in the local community.
"Reuben's family are truly incredible people and after seeing his story shared on Facebook, I just wanted to do all I could to help raise a bit of money for them.
"I have two children myself and my whole world would turn upside down if something like this happened to them."
Reuben's parents, Holly and Liam Mather, have set up a GoFundMe to support his physio and speech sessions and to adapt the family home depending on his long-term needs.
Any money left over will be donated to a stroke charity.
The rounders match is set to support the fund with all the money donated going towards Reuben's recovery.
The event is set to take place on Saturday (July 13) at St Anne's Primary School in Bewdley with the rounders match starting from 12pm until 4pm.
There will be both a competitive and non-competitive pitch.
There will also be a raffle, tombola, BBQ, licenced bar and more with Mr Godfrey looking for players, volunteers and spectators.
Mr Godfrey added: "We've already had a lot of interest and managed to get hold of some amazing auction prizes. Everyone is welcome to come down and join the family fun.
"A special thank you also goes to Jo Harvey who offered us the field at the school and has been absolutely brilliant.
"Reuben needs all the support he can get with his physio and recovery so please come down and show your support for this lovely little boy."
To get involved email Russ Godfrey at sweshpt@hotmail.co.uk or visit Russ Swesh on Facebook
To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/reubens-road-to-recovery-after-suffering-a-stroke
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here