A karate-mad youngster from Wolverhampton is celebrating after being handed a £500 donation to help him continue to progress in the sport.

Nathanael Hutchison, aged 13, has been given the cash from the Mars Refuel Drink Fund.

The youngster, who lives in Penn, has suffered from severe eczema throughout his life which knocked his confidence from an early age. When he was nine Nathanael took up karate and he has loved the sport ever since. Now a purple belt, Nathanael has only four more levels to achieve before he is a black belt.

His club is called J.J. Karate Club and is based at the Graiseley Healthy Living Centre.

“Karate has given me so much confidence,” he said. “This donation will help me play for longer as it will go towards fees and grading, which cost my parents a lot of money.

“One day I hope to be good enough to compete in the Olympics as I want to encourage other kids with low confidence to overcome their fears.”

The cash fund aims to help sports clubs and individuals to play sport for longer. For more information visit the website www. marsrefuel.com

The Mars Refuel Drink Fund is open for entries until September 30.