With the World Cup in full swing, we want to share a story about a very special little boy who just loves his football.

Seven-year-old Ryan Lafford and his school friends at Wheatley Primary raised a whopping £300 earlier this year for Kamran’s Ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital, which looks after children with cancer.

Ryan knows Kamran’s well as he started treatment for cancer there in 2019 when he was four years old.

Throughout Ryan’s treatment, his mum Lauren and her family raised money for lots of special charities, but they wanted to make sure Kamran’s Ward got their final fundraiser when Ryan finished his treatment.

Lauren, told us: “Ryan always loved his football, but he lost the ability to walk when his cancer treatment started, and it took a really long time for him to get his strength back.

“But once he got home, he was so determined and went from strength to strength learning to walk, and eventually playing football again.

“Kamran’s was a second home for us, so it was great that Ryan and his schoolfriends raised this money through a non-uniform day when his treatment was over – it was a huge milestone for him, and it feels wonderful to be able to give back to a place that helped us so much.”

Ryan now keeps active by playing football for his local team as well as supporting Oxford United Football Club and Manchester United.

Claire Hughes, Supporter Care Assistant, at Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Ryan and his family for helping to raise such a fantastic amount of money for Kamran’s Ward. Ryan really is a little superstar.”