BOXING legend Barry McGuigan will be in Bacup tonight to help an eight-year-old Rawtenstall boy walk unaided.

The former British, European and World WBA featherweight champion was so touched when he heard of the plight of Theo Bishop who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was just 14 months old, he has thrown his weight behind fundraising efforts.

He said: “It’s a pleasure to be asked to help with an event like this to raise money for Theo’s operation.

"He’s a great little lad and like so many other people, I’ve been touched by his story.

Let’s hope the event is a massive success and we raise the money required for the operation.

"It would be fantastic to help Theo to walk.”

Little Theo, of Fall Barn Crescent, Rawtenstall, has been offered the opportunity to undergo life-changing surgery – if his family can raise more than £45,000 to send him to America.

Currently the football-mad youngster, who goes to Balladen Primary School, cannot walk without a frame.

The operation, known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), would see him walk unaided for the first time in his entire life.

Theo’s family and friends have now launched a fundraising appeal to pay for the operation.

So far they have raised £6,000.

Theo’s family friend and boxing fan Matt Hartley has organised a special boxing evening for Theo.

He said: “I wanted to do something to help raise money for Theo’s operation and I’m also a massive boxing fan.

"I was astonished and delighted that Barry McGuigan offered to help.”

The event will include a three course meal, a speech by Barry McGuigan and a charity auction of sporting memorabilia.

It will be held at the Bacup Hub on Burnley Road, Bacup.

Anybody interested in the event or other ways of supporting Theo can visit the website below or call Matt Hartley on 07747 566 858.