Fundraiser is pulling in the pounds for operation for Hartlepool boy

Gym owner Ian Glass, Johny Crossling, Archie Garthwaite and Haley Kennedy.

Security worker Johnny Crossling is planning to pull a lorry cab to help bring in the cash to help fund an operation which could help four-year-old Archie Garthwaite find his feet for himself.

Archie, along with twin Harley, weighed less than 2lb when they were born in June 2012, making then the most premature set of twins in the country to survive.

Both had to have surgery to seal the holes in their hearts, and while they have both made good recoveries, Archie has been left with cerebral palsy.

His mum Hayley Kennedy is leading the campaign to raise the cash, which would see him travel to America for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, which could help him walk.

To help the fund, Johnny, 28, will take part in the harness and rope pull outside his gym, Ian Glass Fitness in Andrew Street, Hartlepool, in an event which will run from noon until 3pm on Sunday.

He is also offering others the chance to try out the feat for themselves at a charge of £5, with a raffle and donation bucket to also add to the total.

NSG Promotions has also offered its support to the day, while James Print has helped create posters for the day.

The event is being backed by Gibson Transport and T Simpson Transport and will be the first time Johnny has tried to pull a truck.

Johnny, who has just taken part in his first Iron Man competition, said: “I’ve seen others do things for Archie and I wanted to do something for him too.

“He needs this big op and £50,000 is a lot to raise. I want to help.”

In addition to the grand total needed for the procedure, Hayley is also looking to raise £1,400 to buy Archie a special bike which will give him the freedom to play.

Hayley, 24, who is helped by mum Karen Kennedy said: “It’s amazing and fantastic he’s going to do this.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m on my own and then people come along and do things like this. People have shaved their hair off for Archie to help raise money.

“He’s such a lovely boy.”

The fund has raised £2,500 so far.

In the meantime, Archie is visiting his consultant on a regular basis as discussions are held about his treatment and undergoing physiotherapy.

His speech is also beginning to develop.