Teenager raises cash for 'Oscar the Brave' who is battling rare disorder

A 13-year-old from Leeds is selling hand-drawn cards to help raise funds for a three-year-old with a rare genetic disorder.

- by Dennis Morton

James Tortice is selling hand-drawn cards to raise funds for Oscar Steel, who was diagnosed with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

James Tortice, who has autism and ADHD, has made a name for himself in his hometown of Morley for his regular fundraising for various charities - something he started doing aged just seven.

Oscar Steel, from Holmfirth, was diagnosed with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) just ten days after birth - a rare genetic condition that often shortens a child's life to less than two years.

At only 24 days old, he received a onetime infusion of Zolgensma, the world's most expensive drug at £1.8m.

While SMA has no cure, new treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms, supporting Oscar's strength, flexibility, and quality of life.

However, most therapies and much of the necessary equipment are not available on the NHS, with affected families often forced to fundraise to cover the costs.