A SPECIAL appeal has been launched to help a disabled Dorset boy pursue his passion for karate.

National children’s charity Caudwell Children has launched the campaign to raise the £1,736 needed to get eight-year-old George Witt the specialist wheelchair he needs.

George, from Gillingham, has a muscular disorder, meaning he is a fulltime wheelchair user, but is a huge fan of karate.

His mum Sarah took him to Gillingham Karate Club two years ago to take part in the sport and he currently uses a walking frame to stand and is helped around.

The specialist wheelchair will be half the weight of George's current chair, making participating in the sport a lot easier for him as he will not have to think so much about manoeuvring himself and can get more involved.

Sarah said the club has had a huge effect on George’s confidence.

She added: “Doing karate has been a huge boost for both his fitness and his confidence. The social aspect of the club has been good for him and we are so grateful to everybody at Gillingham Karate club for making George so welcome.

“The new chair is going to be life changing, it will help George be so much more independent and move with more freedom.”

Trudi Beswick, chief executive of Caudwell Children, said: “Participating in sport is so important for all children to increase their fitness, confidence and to meet new friends.

“We are in urgent need of more support and funding to continue to provide the practical and emotional support for families living with disabled children.”

To donate to George’s appeal visit: justgiving/George-RGK or text GRGE54£(amount) to 70070.