A 12-year-old with an incurable disease whose “great attitude” has won the hearts of a Sidmouth church and has been selected as the cause to benefit from their fundraising barbecue later this month.

Emmanuel Baptist Church were won over by the story of Todd Whitrow, from Manstone, who suffers from peripheral neuropathy, a degenerative disease which will cause him to lose the use of his limbs.

Despite his condition the plucky Sidmouth College student is fundraising for the Family Fund, which gives grants to families raising disabled and seriously ill children.

Emmanuel Church decided to join forces with Todd and donate all the money from their up-coming charity walk and barbecue to his cause.

Mark Perkins, youth worker at Emmanuel Church, explained how Todd’s “great attitude” had inspired their choice.

“We were so excited by what we wants to do. His attitude is so refreshing.

“So it happened that we were looking for a cause to support and we heard about Todd’s story and it really touched us. So we decided to adopt him as our cause this year.”

Emmanuel Baptist Church will be running two walks of 2.5 hours and 1.5 hours, starting at 1pm on July 28 from the church in Manstone Lane, where Todd and his mother will be present as marshals.

The walks will be followed by a barbecue from 3pm, and entertainment including music and a bouncy castle.

Tickets for the barbecue are �2 and donations of �3 are invited for the walks.

To buy your ticket or make a donation visit The Mustard Seed cafe, Sports Republic or Woolbrook News.

For more information on Todd’s fundraising go to http://www.justgiving.com/Todd-Whitrow