A LITTLE boy’s dream to walk and play football is a step closer after campaigners from far and wide joined forces to help raise £10,000.

Five-year-old Daniel Speed can now pay for the specialist equipment and physiotherapy sessions he needs which will one day help him take his first steps on his own.

Daniel and his family are celebrating for two reasons – as well as the cash being collected, Daniel is also due to have his first ever football training session with his friends this weekend.

Daniel’s mum Laura said she would like to thank everybody who helped them reach their target in such a short space of time.

The fund-raising campaign, which was featured on The Standard’s front page, was launched just four months ago.

Among those who backed the drive and donated was One Stop, Catshill, South-Birmingham yoga instructor Jon Moult, West Midlands Fire Brigade, Lee Davies, Jon Maskell, Rich Smith, Daz Smith and Larry Knight who did the Three Peaks Challenge and Debbie and Charlie from Scissor Sisters who organised a charity night.

Daniel’s headmistress Mrs Plant has also done her bit as has Lou at the Nailers Arms and family friends Meryl and Danny.

Chris Beach also supported the cause by climbing Mount Snowdon with his niece and a friend, as did an anonymous community group and an elderly resident who wished not to be named.

Laura said: “As far as he is concerned he just has poorly legs – he keeps telling me he is going to play for Villa – he is really excited.

“He could not even kick the ball at first but now thanks to the physio and the equipment he can.

“We are really thankful for everything everyone has done.

“And it being featured in the paper definitely helped,” she added.

The Standard says…….

IT IS fantastic news that the campaign to raise £10,000 for equipment to help Bromsgrove boy Daniel Speed learn to walk has reached its target in such a short space of time.

Daniel captured the hearts of Standard readers when he said: “It is my dream to be able to run around with my big sister and friends at school and play football with the other boys in my class.”

And tomorrow, less than four months since our front page piece, Daniel will take part in his first ever football lesson.

It is a great testament to the people of Bromsgrove and beyond and shows what can be achieved when the community pulls together.