Young gun Freddie going for it in Isle of Wight Grand National

A seven-year-old boy who has spent considerable time in hospital since last autumn after developing complications from a virus is to ride in the Isle of Wight Grand National this month to raise money for the children’s unit of Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

Freddie Fletcher, from Steventon in Oxfordshire, first became ill last September and has been in and out of hospital ever since.

His mother Hannah said: “The only thing that’s got him through all this is his love for his pony Tommy and love of riding him.

“He'll be the youngest-ever rider to take part in the Isle of Wight Grand National when he does so on March 26 and plans to raise as much money as he can.

“He's wanted to be a jockey since he first sat on a horse two years ago and his aim is to be the next AP McCoy.”

She added: “He’s been much better lately, but complained of toothache on the first day of Cheltenham and had the day off. I wonder what caused that!”

Anybody who wishes to support Freddie can donate via .