A SPONSORED kickathon and martial arts open day raised around £300 towards an appeal to help a Caldicot toddler walk independently.

The event, held at Modern Samurai Martial Arts Academy in Bulwark, Chepstow, took place on Sunday in aid of two-year-old Imogen Ashwell-Lewis and is expected to bring the total raised to £11,000 by the end of the week.

Her mum, Catherine Ashwell-Rice, of Lapwing Avenue, launched the appeal to raise £40,000 two months ago through the Tree of Hope charity so that Imogen can have a radical procedure to help her walk on her own.

The fundraiser, organised by the academy's owner Matt Stait, saw around 45 people, including his students, Fishponds Tae Kwon Do and Chepstow Tae Kwon Do clubs, complete a 10,000 kick kickathon in four and-a-half hours. Chepstow Judo Club was unable to attend but donated its matt fees from a training session.

Mr Stait said: “It was all about gets local clubs together to raise awareness and funds for Imogen.”

Ms Ashwell-Rice,36, said: “Imogen loved it and tried some Tae Kwon Do kicks with support from the instructors. We're now looking forward to adding Tae Kwon Do to her list of activities for rehabilitation after her operation.”

“This week our total has reached over £10,500. We have still got cash to collect so by the end of the week expect the total to be £11,000.”

Imogen has a debilitating nerve-muscle condition known as spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, which means she walks on her toes, has stiffness in her legs and poor balance and coordination.

She hopes a procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy will help avoid further deterioration.

Forthcoming fundraisers include Imogen opening The Juice Bar in the former Smith and Jones sandwich shop, Chepstow, on April 12. On April 13, twenty tractors will talk part in the Chepstow and District Vintage Club road run, leaving from Cophill Farm, Itton, near Chepstow at 10am and returning at 4pm.

Visit www.justgiving.com/helpimogenwalk