Young charity champion Theo Stafford, who attends St Robert's First School, surprised everyone when he raised more than £1,000 last year after completing the Children's Cancer Run five-mile course at Newcastle Racecourse in Gosforth Park.

Despite being diagnosed with asthma two months later, the eight-year-old was adamant he would run it again this month and he began another marathon effort to bring in money.

Running support came from family friend Paul Taylor, who has run in a number of marathons, who took Theo under his wing.

And after successfully completing the course again, fantastic support from friends, family, overseas and a mystery celebrity has helped the youngster to raise thousands again, way in excess of his £2,000 target.

The amount collected currently stands at more than £3,750.

Proud dad Hayden Parker said: "Even though he was diagnosed with bad asthma, Theo was more determined to run it this year for such a good cause.

"We set up a justgiving site and a page on Facebook and the response has been fantastic.

"We have had messages of support from as far afield as Australia and Canada, and even from Top Gear's The Stig."

Theo was delighted with his run and paid thanks to his supporters.

"I really wanted to run to help sick little children. Paul was a big help for training and the run," he said.

All money raised from the event, which was sponsored by Greggs, will be donated to the North of England Children's Cancer Research Fund.

To donate to the cause and help boost Theo's total, visit www.justgiving.com/bigboytheo