A12-year-old boy with a profound brain injury has launched a campaign to save the charity which provides vital activities to people with disabilities.

Oliver’s Calvert Army is a crowdfunding appeal to help save the Lake District Calvert Trust.

In a normal year, Calvert Lakes in Keswick welcomes thousands of visitors to its accessible activity centre, many of whom have disabilities.

With the charity now facing permanent closure due to the financial impact of Covid-19, the trust has launched an Emergency Bounce Back Appeal.

In the run up to his 13th birthday party on January 30, Oliver Voysey, who travels from his home in Newcastle to Calvert Lakes regularly, is undertaking a series of 13 challenges to support the trust’s appeal.

Oliver’s challenges include walking on a treadmill for 13 minutes, standing independently for 13 seconds and completing a 13-minute walk. His family will be supporting him with their own set of challenges.

Oliver’s mother, Sarah said: “Oliver’s biggest birthday wish is for the Lake District Calvert Trust to survive.

“Oliver suffered a brain injury when he was two days old. He was left with catastrophic damage which caused sight loss, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and learning difficulties. He needs specialist care daily and lots of additional support.

“Throughout his life we have fought to show him that anything is possible. The Lake District Calvert Trust has helped us do this.

“We would be absolutely devastated if the Calvert Trust was forced to close.”

Jennifer Scott, fundraising manager at the Lake District Calvert Trust, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has left a huge, one-million-pound gap in our income.

“We are urging everyone to join Oliver’s Calvert Army through supporting Oliver or by taking on their own fundraising challenge.”

To support Oliver’s Calvert Army go to: www.gofundme.com/olivers-calvert-army