A NINE year old boy has been left heartbroken after £150 he had raised to compete in kickboxing championships in Florida has been stolen.

Charlie Knox, nine, who trains at the Senshi Academy in Windes, had stored his well-earned money in his mum's car's glovebox but found on Sunday that it had been taken.

Charlie's grandmother Susan Wilkinson explained: "He was so pleased with the amount he raised. The envelope even said well done Charlie. My grandson has been kickboxing since he was four years old and has won gold and silver medals and world championships in Jamaica and Ireland as well as lots of local competitions."

Charlie is so dedicated he trains before and after school and also gives up his Saturdays to help raise some funds for his club Senshi Academy by bag packing in local supermarkets.

"He is devastated as he has worked so hard raising the funds for his club Senshi Academy in Widnes as he has qualified to defend his title in Florida in June.

"His mum is a single mum of three and is trying her best to help Charlie achieve his dreams but as you can imagine it’s so expensive to travel with three children."

Susan has now set up a gofundme page to help Charlie, from Maghull, achieve his dream of heading to Florida to compete. The page has already raised £425.

"I would like to thank everyone for their kind donations as this will hopefully restore Charlie’s faith in people."

If you would like to contribute to help Charlie reach Florida click here