A football mad Tempsford lad is taking on a World Cup keepy-uppy challenge to show bowel cancer the red card.

Nine-year-old Bobby Binding is aiming to reach his goal of £1,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund – which supports research and awareness about the disease.

Fleet-footed Bobby will be completing 100 keepy-uppies per day during the World Cup season, after being inspired by "England legend" and charity supporter Harry Kane.

Bobby said: "I am really loving the challenge because I am football mad and I always like to work on getting better.

Thumbs up: Bobby wearing his charity tshirt. Image: Steph Hamshere.

placeholder image — Thumbs up: Bobby wearing his charity tshirt. Image: Steph Hamshere.

"I can do keepy uppies with a normal size football easily, so I wanted to challenge myself using a tennis ball instead.

"I am so happy as I can now do 97 in one go, and I am aiming to do 100 by the end of the challenge.

"I would really love to reach my donation target."

Bobby's family have previously taken part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life and other fundraising activities, helping to inspire Bobby's altruistic nature.

In memory of Moore. Image: Steph Hamshere.

His mum, Steph Hamshere, 38, said: "Bobby is a very sensitive, sweet child. Our family go out in the village litter picking during half term, because we find it fun – they're kids who like to give back.

"We have set up a donation page for him and when we told him the amount of money we had raised he was over the moon."

Bobby's fundraiser has kicked off to a strong start and currently stands at over £500 – and the young sportsman would be very grateful for any more donations.

He was inspired to help after seeing Harry Kane promote the cause on social media, with the striker being a dedicated ambassador for the Fund.

Bobby added: "I want to make a positive difference using my skills. I like to help people, and I want to make people learn about all the important things the charity does."

England football star Bobby Moore was only 51 when he died of bowel cancer and his wife, Stephanie, set up the charity in his memory.

The disease is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, with 46 people losing their life to it every day.

Steph said: "My best friend's auntie passed away from the disease and left a little girl behind.

"You realise how many people have been affected and impacted and we want to help more people survive."

Bobby's challenge will conclude on the day of the World Cup final (July 19) and the family are hoping to plan something special to celebrate.

As for who Bobby thinks will win, he says: "England or France!"

Steph concluded: "I think it's so wonderful to have such a young individual want to do something so powerful. I'm really proud of him for being so little and wanting to do something so big."

Bobby lives at home with his mum Steph, his dad Rob Binding, 48, and his little sister, Blake, six.

He plays for Biggleswade Town Football Club and attends Bigglewade Academy.

To donate to his fundraiser please click here and you can visit the NHS website to find out more about bowel cancer and its symptoms.