All little Callum Hicks wants is a chance to be with his mates at school play time.
The 10-year-old's parents and school have joined forces to start raising money for a new wheelchair which will help his dream come true.
His current wheelchair is just too heavy for him to get onto playing fields to join his friends, leaving Call
um on the sidelines at break times.
The young Hemel Hempstead pupil said: "My chair is really hard to push.
"I like playing football and 'it', but I can't because I have to push myself.
"I can't go on the grass and I can't play with my friends on there.
"I have to stay on the playground and it makes me feel sad.
"I want to play with my mates."
Callum, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, added that he also wanted a new chair so he can call on his friends without help after school.
The new electric chair Callum needs costs £5,500, and £550 has already been raised by Martindale Primary and Nursery School in Boxted Road.
Callum, who also lives in Boxted Road, is set to move to a bigger school when Martindale merges with Rossgate Primary School to form Galley Hill School for September, and it is hoped he can get a new chair for his first term.
His one-to-one helper at Martindale, Nic Waters, organised a fundraising tombola for Callum at Martindale's 50th anniversary party on Saturday (June 28), which helped kick-start the wheelchair campaign.
She said: "An electric wheelchair will give him so much more independence in the playground.
"It would just be so great if he can get an electric wheelchair when he goes up to a new school."
Callum's fundraising team are hoping to organise more events including an evening of live music with food by top London chef Alex White.
Anyone able to donate money to Callum or provide a venue for the next fundraiser is asked to call Martindale School on 01442 256407 or email
wheelchair@martindalejmi.herts.sch.uk
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