A TEAM of finance experts are swapping laptops for legwork to raise cash for a disabled Kingswinford boy.

A dozen city money men are saddling up for Thomas Gardener, aged seven, who has cerebral palsy after being born prematurely at 25 weeks, his twin brother Harry has severe learning difficulties.

The group, which includes Pat Hodson, director of property finance at Birmingham RBS, have teamed up with Kingswinford and Stourbridge Lions to raise at least £3,000 for Thomas.

Mr Hodson, aged 42 from Oldswinford, whose wife works at St Mary's school in Brierley Hill where Tom and Harry are pupils, will be heading off later this month for a 200 mile off-road coast to coast trek from St Bees in Cumbria to Roker Northumberland.

He said: “Tom is a joy to behold, who together with Harry brightens every day with his determination and smiles.

“We aim to raise funds to assist his mobility and educational access with equipment and software required to support his continuing development and social interaction. Such equipment does not come cheap and the family presently receive little support other than family fund raising.”

Father-of-three Mr Hodson is a keen cyclist who has previously cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats for a cancer charity.

He said: “I think the main difficulties will be the 200 miles which take in the Cumbrian Lakes, and Northumberland Moors.

“I have also had recent foot surgery so I am still not walking too well, cycling is part of my return to fitness.

“All of which pales into insignificance when you see how well Tom does in his wheelchair.”

The event will take place over the weekend of June 25 and 26, donations for the Thomas Gardener Mobility Appeal can be made via the Lion’s website at www.kandslions.org.uk, for more information on Tom Gardener visit www.thomasgardenerfund.co.uk