CHARITY organisers raised thousands of pounds to send a little boy with cerebral palsy abroad for vital stem cell treatment, with the help of some sporting names.

A black-tie luncheon hosted by rugby broadcaster Phil Steele, at The Castle Hotel in Brecon, drummed up £9,000 in aid of Enzo Thompson, who suffers from the life-limiting condition.

Wales legend and FA Cup-winner Dean Saunders joined local hero and Paralympic table tennis gold medallist Rob Davies MBE for the lunch which raised over half of the total target.

Dale Evans, a friend of Enzo’s father Danny Thompson, welcomed 130 guests for a two-course lunch, raffle and well-received speeches from the sporting legends, including a hilarious recall from Dean Saunders.

Dale planned the lunch after speaking to his friend Danny Thompson and offered to raise funds for Danny’s child Enzo. Enzo suffers from cerebral palsy and their aim is to raise enough funds for a trip abroad for specialist stem cell treatment.

“I am completely overwhelmed by the figure we have been able to raise for Enzo,” said Dale. “I am so proud to have been able to have this much impact on his progress; however, I couldn’t have done it alone. The support I received from friends and family was superb. To everybody who contributed, thank you!”

The event raised thousands from the auction of some rare sporting items, including boxing gloves signed by legend Barry McGuigan, match-worn international rugby jerseys, and memorabilia from the British and Irish Lions ’97 test-winning squad.

Caroline Thompson, Enzo’s mother, said: “We were completely overwhelmed by the whole event, it was an amazing day, Dale did an incredible job.

“The turnout was fantastic and the donations and bids people made were unbelievable, their kind words, support and generosity will stay with us forever. We went from having a few thousand pounds raised to being over half way to our target from this event alone.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to raise the rest of the funds by the end of the year and we are so excited for Enzo to have his second round of stem cell treatment.

He has come so far since his first treatment, we really hope that another one will be as successful for him and hopefully help him gain even more ability and independence.”

Phil Steele, BBC rugby broadcaster, said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion with a warm and receptive audience which was indicative of a superbly organised event. Dale should be justifiably proud of his efforts not only in raising such an impressive amount of money for a great cause, but also in putting together such a successful afternoon.”

Dale, and the Thompson family would like to thank The Castle Hotel (Manny and Jen in particular) event sponsors Select Security and Max Logistics, and C&T Bain who sponsored Phil Steele, as well as everyone who sponsored a table, made a donation and supported the event.