Stars come to town for bionic boy's fundraiser

The Press previously told you how Josh Cathcart, 10, of Meadowfield, was bullied for being born with the lower half of his right arm missing and was so desperate to feel “normal” that he wanted to sell his computer and Xbox to get a new arm. A huge fundraising effort saw thousands of pounds donated and in August last year, he was fitted with a £42,000 bionic hand.

The spirited youngster can now tie his shoelaces, catch a ball and ride a bike but he'll need an expensive replacement when he grows bigger and his family has been raising money to make sure he won't miss out when the time comes.

Family friend Craig Roxburgh has organised race nights and sporting auctions to help and is now putting on a Sportsman's Dinner at Keavil House Hotel on May 6, featuring guests like Jim Leishman, John Rowbotham and Dick Campbell.

Top pro boxers Alex Arthur, Billy Joe Saunders and Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan will also be there to show support and there will be a huge range of special signed sports memorabilia up for auction on the night.

The last race night organised by Craig managed to raise almost £5,000 and at the time, he told the Press how much it meant to the family.

“His dad is a family friend and my son Lewis wanted to help, and that was when I really started moving," he said. “Josh seemed a different boy when he was being bullied. It touched me seeing him and I wanted to do what I could to make this happen. He was a different boy at the race night, he was all happy and had lots of energy.”

The Sportsman's Dinner takes place at 7pm on Friday, May 6 at Keavil House Hotel. Tickets are £50pp for a table of 10 and the price includes a three-course meal and a drink on arrival.

There are only around 40 tickets left and Craig is eager to make sure he reaches a sell-out of 200 to raise as much money as possible for Josh's fund.

For information and to enquire about tickets, contact craigroxburgh@hotmail.com