WHEN Julie Norcross was called on to organise a charity race night for a disabled 10-years-old boy last October little did she realise she would get roped in to organising a nationwide appeal.

For Julie, who runs her own entertainment business, ended up falling for battling James Kirby, ran the night for free, and started the ball rolling to raise funds to send him to the United States for an operation to help him walk.

Julie has also called on the stars of the boxing world to add their punch to the appeal and a sporting dinner has been organised in the Formby Hall, Atherton.

James was a perfect baby until he was struck by meningitis which left him blind, deaf and paralysed from the neck down.

When she decided to boost the appeal for the Merseyside youngster, the former Hindley hairdresser, from Shelley Street in Leigh, decided she needed help from the sporting world and knew just the people to call on -Hall of Fame sports artist, Brian Meadows.

Brian and his wife Doreen's original paintings and prints have raised thousands for charities worldwide and the couple had no hesitation in donating a number of prints.

He called on his friends world boxing champions Ricky Hatton and Carl Thompson to support the appeal and they will be guests at the dinner on May 5 where Brian will be guest speaker.

For further details about James or for tickets for the dinner ring Julie on 01942 603340 or 257800.

A race night at the Royal Oak in Wigan Road, Leigh raised £275 for James.