SNOOKER club members will rally round to help a 16-year-old boy who has a terminal muscle-wasting condition.

Jason Thornton, aged 16, has been left wheelchair bound after being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) aged just four years old.

The condition is progressive as other muscles become affected, so Jason will need increasing help and support.

Jason's auntie and uncle Mark and Sue Hughes have organised an event at Radcliffe Snooker Club, where Mr Hughes is a member, to help raise money for a new wheelchair.

Father Russ Thornton, aged 54, said: "Jason can no longer walk a single step. He is confined to a powered wheelchair.

"He came out of hospital on Tuesday (April 17), and has found out he must now wear a ventilation mask every night to improve his oxygen levels. That is something we were not expecting for a few years yet. But you learn to take things in your stride. You can't let them keep knocking you back.

"Jason just gets on with it. He doesn't see things as a problem - just as a challenge to overcome.

"Jason is a fun fun person to be around. He has a fantastic sense of humour.

"He is incredibly positive. He won't let anything stand in his way."

Jason, who attends Ashton on Mersey School, enjoys taking part in a wheelchair football team, playing Xbox and spending time with his school friends.

The family home in Sale has been adapted to make life easier for Jason, with doorways being widened, a new bathroom fitted and hoists installed.

With the help of grants, a new £10,000 wheelchair has been purchased for Jason. The fundraiser in Radcliffe will help cover the cost of the equipment.

Jason's uncle, Mr Hughes, aged 57 of School Street, said: "The town does so much to help and pulls together for these sorts of things.

"Radcliffe being the community it is, we had the idea to fundraise for Jason.

"The owners were keen to help so we went from there. It is also being supported by a group who play for Salford City FC. It will be a fun night with music."

Residents are invited to the snooker club in Abden Street on Saturday (April 21) where there will be a game of bingo, raffle and free jukebox.

Tracey Morley, manager at Radcliffe Snooker Club, said: "We hope that lots of people turn out to support this cause.

"At the end of the day, this is all about raising money for Jason."