A TEENAGE Kidderminster wrestler has organised a grappling event to help raise funds for a charity close to his heart.

Live American Wrestling will be held at Kidderminster Harriers Sports and Social Club on Saturday (September 2) in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The event is the brainchild of 19-year-old Joshua Smith, who wanted to support the hospital which cared for his two young nieces before they sadly died.

There will be around nine bouts during the evening, which will also see Joshua in tag team action.

Joshua, who works at West Midland Safari Park, suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy but his father Ricky said he was determined to do his bit for the hospital.

Ricky Smith said: “My granddaughter Danielle was only three when she died from meningitis while Isabella suffered a number of problems from birth and was only a few months old when she passed away.

“But the staff at the hospital worked so hard and were incredibly supportive of us so Joshua was determined to do something for them. It speaks volumes for the sort of young man he is and we are extremely proud of him.

“Due to his own health issues, he couldn’t play football or ride bikes when he was younger but he loved wrestling and got involved with HCW for whom we wrestles now.

“They have brought him on so much and he says he feels like a true athlete now, which is great.

“So we want to get as many people down on the night to support us. It’s a great, fun evening.”

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £4 for children with under-4s getting in for free.