Tempsford boy's World Cup challenge raises over £1,000 for charity

Nine-year-old Bobby Binding completed 100 tricks per day using a tennis ball, taking it anywhere and everywhere to complete his task.

Thanks to his dedication, he smashed his initial goal of £1,000, with money going to to support The Bobby Moore Fund – which provides research and awareness about bowel cancer.

Bobby said: "I feel quite happy that I raised so much money. It will help people in need and I hope they will get better and that more people will survive.

"I was happy that Spain won the World Cup, because they haven't won yet."

Bobby's mum Steph added: "I am so proud. I know he is the type of kid that won't stop at that. He'll say ‘what can I do next?’.

"We are very very proud and I think he has just grown in so much confidence."

Bobby took on his daily mission during the World Cup season and even performed his keepy-uppies on stage during a family holiday to Parkdean, Skegness, on Saturday (July 18).

Steph added: "They gave him some merchandise and said that he was doing an amazing job and he is being given a plaque of achievement by A1 Personalised in Biggleswade.

"Cancer Research UK have also congratulated him on their socials and are sending him a gift in the post.

"Everyone has been so, so supportive."

Bobby was first inspired to help the charity because England legend Harry Kane is an ambassador for the fund.

He concluded his challenge on Sunday (July 19) – the day of the final between Spain and Argentina.

"He set himself a target of £1,000 and to reach £1,146 is great!“ added Steph. “He has also managed to beat his record of 124 kick ups with a tennis ball without stopping.

"We are two very proud parents for what our nine-year-old boy has set himself to achieve – and he reached his goal. Well done Bobby, we love you.”

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.

However, The Bobby Moore Fund states: "Since the fund was set up, bowel cancer mortality rates have fallen by over 30 per cent."

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.