A KINDHEARTED boy has karate kicked his way to raising more than £300 to help his friend from Cradley Heath who suffers from a rare genetic disease.

Jake Kettle, aged nine, completed a 200 kick challenge at BWH Martial Arts Academy in Halesowen.

And he has raised £325 in sponsorship to help his friend Regan Nash who has mitochondrial disease MTT1 - his strain of the degenerative condition is so rare that he is one of only two people in the world to suffer from it.

Regan's family are waiting for adaptations to their home in Norwood Road, to be carried out by Sandwell Council.

Once finished they will install specialist equipment to make Regan's life easier - items including a specially adapted bed for the brave ten-year-old, who suffers from sleep apnea, to sleep sitting up.

The family - who set up Facebook site Regan's Fight for life with Mitochondrial Disease to chart his journey - have to fund the equipment themselves.

They watched Timbertree Primary pupil Jake complete his final 50 kicks at the martial arts academy at the Unitarian Church in Park Lane, Halesowen on Monday June 10.

Jake completed his challenge in four lots of 50 kicks - starting on Wednesday May 29.

To sponsor Jake visit https://www.paypal.me/jake200kickchallenge

Regan's mum Melanie Morris said: "We had the pleasure of meeting Jake's lovely family and we got to watch Jake do his last 50 kicks for Regan.

"This little boy with a massive heart raised £325!!

"A massive well done Jake you done amazing and a massive thank you for doing this for our boy, helping us buy equipment Regan needs to make his life easier and for us to make as many happy memories as we can with our son.

"Also a big thank you to BWH martial arts academy. Thank you for supporting Jake Regan and letting us come and watch Jake.

"Thank you to everyone that sponsored Jake for our warrior."

Jake's mum Emma Kettle said on Facebook: "Jake wants to help a beautiful little boy who is suffering from this horrible disease MITO.

"Regan was in Jake's class when he first started school so Jake thinks a lot of him and wants to help raise money so that Regan's mom can get equipment that he will need in the coming future.

"As parents we are so proud of what he is doing.

"Please continue to share Regan's story and please give whatever you can."

Regan is 98 per cent affected by the degenerative genetic condition, which has taken over almost all of his brain. He has severe development delay, twisted legs, balance problems, very weak muscles, spasms and cramps, speech problems, epilepsy and autism.

He uses a wheelchair, his right side is losing all mobility and the condition is now attacking his eyesight.

A fun day will be held in his aid at Haden Cross Fire Station on Sunday September 15. The day, which will run from 11am till 4pm, will feature attractions including a bouncy castle, face painting, raffles, a car boot sale and hook a duck.