A five-year old boy who “wants to help dogs with poorly legs and no home” is set to take on a tough challenge - and has received huge backing from TV star Gemma Atkinson.

Rory Chapman, from Salford, is getting ready to take on Lidl Mudder, a one-mile obstacle course for children aged between five and 12 years-old.

His mum Jennifer, 35, who grew up in Bury, said he has been “practicing on monkey bars” ahead of the big day and how he “would love to receive a Blue Peter badge” one day.

He is using the opportunity to raise funds for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield.

Rory will be joined by his older cousin Noah Smith, seven, who is raising money for charity, Cash for Kids.

Jennifer, who went to Holy Cross College, said: “I have always loved Bleakholt and used to visit when I was younger.

“Rory has always been a very active little boy and wanted to take part in the Lidl Muddler challenge once he was old enough.

“I asked him about what type of charity he’d like to support, and he said he wants to ‘help the dogs with poorly legs and no homes’ so Bleakholt was the perfect fit.”

Bury-born TV star Atkinson, Bleakholt's president, has made a generous donation to Rory’s fundraising page, which has raised almost £2,500 for the charity.

Gemma said: “Hearing that little Rory was doing a Tough Mudder at just five, I thought was brilliant, and the fact he wanted to do it for Bleakholt as well was just so heart-warming.

“I was told Rory wanted to help dogs with poorly legs which just made me really smile.

"I hope Rory is successful in all his fundraising and I'm very grateful he’s helping us raise money for our sanctuary.”

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary patron Gemma AtkinsonBleakholt Animal Sanctuary patron Gemma Atkinson (Image: Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary) The radio host shared Rory’s fundraising page on her Instagram page and it attracted lots of overnight donations, helping to surpass the initial £100 target.

Jennifer added: “The day after Gemma shared Rory’s page and we saw the new donations, he was over the moon.

"He immediately asked me how many animals he could help with the extra money.

 

“Rory is on a countdown now and has been eating lots of vegetables in preparation.

“Once he’s finished, I’d like to arrange to take him to Bleakholt so he can show them his medal and see first-hand what the money is going towards - although I know he’s going to want to bring all of the animals back home with him!”

His dad Christopher will be doing the gruelling adult Tough Mudder course ahead of Rory’s turn on Saturday (October 19) at Chamanly Castle in Cheshire.