A YOUTH charity is raising funds to buy a hand bike for a five-year-old wheelchair user.

Youthability Youth Services, based in Barrow, is looking to raise money to get Oliver Goodings a hand bike that he can control, which will give him the ability to join in with his older brother and parents on bike rides in the Lake District.

The little boy, from Ulverston, was born with the VACTERL association, an acronym that stands for the affected parts of the body including the Vertebrae, Anus, Cardiac (Heart), Trachea, Esophagus, Renal(kidney) and Limbs.  

The Mail: The little boy holding a Barrow Raiders flag.The little boy holding a Barrow Raiders flag. (Image: Abigail Peters)He has five of the letters of the disorder, which include conditions such as spina bifida, talipes, dislocated hips and serious renal issues, the most serious for Oliver. 

He is awaiting a kidney transplant from his mother and is on dialysis four times a week as he has only one kidney that is at six per cent function. 

Oliver's carer Abigail Peters said that although the disease has a massive effect on his life, he is always smiling and playing.

She said: "The hand bike will enable him to be more included with the family. It is going to give him the independence to do a bike ride himself and be like any other five-year-old boy."

The Mail: Oliver Goodings at Boxability. Oliver Goodings at Boxability. (Image: Abigail Peters)

Every year Youthability chooses one young person to fundraise for - and this year they picked Oliver.

Les McCleese, chair of Youthability, explained they have set up various fundraising events to raise £3,200 for Oliver's family to purchase the hand bike.

He said: "We will be doing various events over the next few months, including a barefoot Lego walk and a sponsored bike/scooter ride, and there are talks of a charity music night."

More than 25 people have donated to the cause, totalling £480 of the £3,200 target.

To make a donation, visit the fundraising page here.