Ashby soapbox racers to raise money for boy's treatment

The Hilltop Dads have created a Bullet Bill kart for Sunday's Soapbox Derby

A group of dads are competing in a soapbox race to raise money for an eight-year-old boy receiving treatment in the US.

Dubbed the Hilltop Dads, Marcus Dorey, Oliver Thomas and Tristan Marshall built a Mario Kart-inspired vehicle.

They'll race their 'Bullet Bill' car in the first Ashby Soapbox Derby on Sunday to fundraise for local boy Alfred, who was born with a brain injury.

Alfred's mum, Emma, said she was "incredibly grateful".

Mr Dorey, a former kart racer, said he had always wanted to take part in a soapbox race.

"We got the children involved who had a few weird and wild ideas and then it was a case of deciding on something we could actually build," he said.

"We had a few pub meetings and decided we all love Mario Kart and decided this was the way to go."

The Ashby de la Zouch trio will compete against 33 other adult teams during the race, which has been organised by Ashby's business improvement district.

The Hilltop Dads are made up of (left to right) Oliver Thomas, Marcus Dorey, and Tristan Marshall

'A lovely boy'

They were inspired to take part to raise money for Team Alfred, a charity which raises money for Alfred's treatment.

Mum Emma, 34, said she was told "by everyone that Alfred wouldn't do anything" after her son, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, suffered a brain injury at birth.

But she said despite having significantly limited mobility, Alfred's condition had improved since going to the US for treatment.

"There's no barrier for him. He wants to walk one day and we think if we give him the right tools, he will," Emma said.

She said the family would be at the race on Sunday to cheer on the Hilltop Dads.