JONAH Wright did not breathe for 23 minutes when he was born - he has cerebral palsy and has extremely limited control of his entire body.

The west Wiltshire teenager finds it nearly impossible to perform everyday actions but excels in his own way.

Jonah, 15, recently won three gold medals at the regional disability athletics championships and excels at boccia, a form of boules for athletes with a disability.

But the cost of transporting him to sports events and providing him with the equipment he needs as he grows up is an ever-increasing burden on his family.

So the landlord at a pub he visits with his family have decided to stage a summer of fundraising events to help Jonah out.

Paul Davies, landlord of The Beef and Barge pub in Widbrook, near Bradford on Avon, said: "He's a lovely lad, and very popular with everyone here. We just wanted to do something to help."

There is a karaoke night on July 4, a James Bond casino night on July 25, followed by a kickboxing display, tug-of-war, raffles with prizes including a pair of boxing gloves signed by Mike Tyson and many other events over the summer.

Jonah, who lives with his family in The Common, Holt, goes to a special weekly boarding school in Hampshire.

His father Trevor, 60, a teacher at George Ward School in Melksham, said: "The whole thing was Paul's idea. It will make certain things a lot easier for us, he does a lot of travelling about and also there is the maintenance costs for his wheelchair.

"We need a mobile hoist because he is getting heavier to move and there is a walker that could help stop his muscles degenerating that we can't afford."

Mr Wright and his wife Corinne, 50, both work full time and juggle their time between their four boys, Fred, 18, Jonah, 15, Alfie, 14, and Bertie, 10.

Mr Wright said: "After we had Jonah, many families would have thought that's enough but we thought a reasonable sized family would be nice for him, although it does drain all my cash!

"We are certainly very touched by the fundraising events at the pub, without a doubt.

"Jonah is very sociable and likes the people there, even if he can't talk to them."

The karaoke night starts at 7pm on July 4 and there will be face painting for adults and children.

Tickets for the James Bond night cost £15, which includes £50 of playing chips, a buffet and a chance to win a £100 voucher for food and drink at the pub. For more information call Paul Davies at The Beef and Barge on (01225) 862004.