MARTIAL art enthusiasts in Kidderminster have raised more than £1,100 for a two-year-old boy who lost his mother to cervical cancer last year.

Samurai Judo Club, which is based at the Gilt Edge Leisure Centre, held a competition and training day in aid of Riley Tristram, whose mother Jessica Evans was a close friend of some of the group’s members.

The event featured an individual contest, mix-and-match team activities and a general practice session, as well as a raffle and cake stalls.

Laura Dangerfield, one of the club’s coaches, said: “We always like to support small, local causes where our donations can make a real difference.

“In particular we like to contribute towards anything that involves children so helping out Riley was something we were keen to get involved with.”

Jamie Tristram, Riley’s dad who visited the fundraisers to thank them for their support, added: “When Riley is old enough I will bring him along to try out judo – it looks as though he has some friends at the club already.”

Money raised will be used to buy toys and other items for Riley now, while any funds leftover will be set aside for his future.

The competition, which had been sponsored by A Touch Of Class, Tan Lane Pet Shop, No. 93 Cafe in Bewdley and personal trainer Morgan Evans, was organised exclusively by females from the judo club as a tribute to Jessica Evans.

Nine girls officiated as junior referees while others ran the control table, kitchen and raffle and two senior women acted as tournament director and primary first aider.

Competitors from as far afield as Surrey, Somerset and various parts of Wales travelled to participate in the event.