A GROUP of fundraisers inspired by toddler Joel Hodgin’s battle for life have been given a cash boost.

The group, dubbed Joel’s Heroes, are all from Bicester and are fundraising in honour of the three-year-old, who defied all medical expectations after being born 12 weeks premature.

The youngster, from Kingsmere, has fought a long battle after spending the first six weeks of his life in intensive care, before developing breathing difficulties caused by bronchiolitis, pneumonia and flu.

Joel’s premature birth caused chronic lung disease and the viruses he had caught were impossible for him to fight on his own.

But despite the ongoing extra medical care he receives, Joel is a little boy full of life and an inspiration for the group.

Joel’s Heroes are attempting to raise £5,000 for charity Tommy’s, which funds research into stillbirth, premature birth and miscarriages.

The group received a cash boost of £1,000 from housebuilder Persimmon Homes Wessex, as part of its Community Champion initiative.

Vicky and Gary Hodgins, Joel’s parents, said: “This donation means so much to our family.

“It has been a real journey with Joel, but he is a fighter, and we are so thankful for every day with him.

"He is an inspiration and we are, with his two brothers George and Joshua, extremely proud of him.”

The cash boost comes from the developer which is currently building homes on the Kingsmere estate in Bicester and dishes out £60,000 each month to good causes nationwide.

Persimmon Homes Wessex sales and marketing director, Pauline Fletcher, said: “We are committed to supporting the communities in which we are building, and the Community Champions scheme is just one way we do that.

“Joel’s story is touching, and we are so pleased to be able to play our part in his family and friend’s fundraising.

"We congratulate Joel’s Heroes for raising the money and wish them all the best for their upcoming event.”

The team of fundraising heroes next group fundraising event is a dinner event at Whitelands Farm Sports Village, in Kingsmere, on April 28.

Tickets are £40 and this includes an evening of dance, music and raffle prizes.

Alongside this, Mrs Hodgins will take on the London Marathon with friends Cath Naidu and Ross Downes on Sunday, April 22.

Mrs Hodgins will also be joined by her husband Mr Hodgins to take on the 100 mile Ride London cycling event on July 29.

To donate to Joel’s Heroes visit bit.ly/2DtKdB6 or to donate by text send jhro51 and the amount to 70070