TWO youngsters are taking part in a sponsored walk this weekend to raise funds for a seriously ill friend.

Gina Gray and Joseph McDonald, both six, are walking 10 miles to raise funds for Freddie’s Fight and Candlelighters.

Freddie Thompson, who lives in Ampleforth with his parents Philip and Emily and older brother Oscar, was diagnosed with an aggressive stage four neuroblastoma when he was two years old.

The youngster has already undergone chemotherapy and surgery, and his family are now trying to raise £250,000 to send him for pioneering vaccine treatment in America, which could decrease his chances of a relapse. Through a series of events and donations the fun is close to reaching £100,000.

Gina, from Thirsk, whose family is friends with the Thompsons, and Joseph, from Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, will be setting off from Joseph’s home at 10am on Saturday.

From there they and their mums will head up Sutton Bank, before following the Cleveland Way to Helmsley. The families hope that people will gather in the Market Place in Helmsley to welcome them back between 2pm and 3pm where there will be refreshments.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Gina and Joseph can do so at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/josephginaswalkforfreddiesfightcandlelighters

Also, starting on Saturday is an ex-display sale at Duncombe Sawmill, which will run until March 22, with all donations going to Freddie’s Fight.

Emma Woods, owner of Duncombe Sawmill, said: “As a parent, I read about Freddie’s family trying to raise money for his treatment and just wanted to help in some way. As a community it’s great to see everyone trying to do their bit to help them reach their target.”