A YOUNG boy with a muscle-wasting disease accepted a donation as two charities got early Christmas presents.

Murray’s Muscles and Droitwich Salvation Army each received an early Christmas gift of £125 thanks to a donation from Worcester’s CrownGate Shopping Centre.

Murray Field, aged 12, of King George Avenue, Droitwich, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, received the cheque on behalf of Murray’s Muscles, part of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The charities were nominated by Britain’s Got Talent star Charlie Green, who has been a friend of Murray since they both attended Ombersley Endowed First School together.

The cheque was presented to Murray by CrownGate manager Erica Burlace after Charlie decided to give away the money he would have been paid as a professional fee for singing at CrownGate’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The money will go towards providing muscular dystrophy sufferers under 19 with the equipment needed to improve their quality of life, whether it is a wheelchair, bed turner or arm supports via the Joseph Patrick Trust.

His dad Mark Field said: “Charlie Green went to school with Murray and they’re good friends. Charlie has made Murray’s Muscles and the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign one of his chosen charities. He’s very passionate about helping people with the condition.”

His mum, Jane Field, said Murray’s Muscles helped provide a local focus to a national campaign.

She said: “I was at the station the other day and someone said, ‘I know you – you’re Murray’s Muscles’. It is already becoming known. I’m very proud of him.”

Murray, who has one wheelchair donated by David and Victoria Beckham and another donated by Tesco, plays football for West Bromwich Albion power chair football team and hopes to take part in the Paralympics in 2012.

Salvation Army captain Jenny Florman said: “Christmas is an important time for us and we make it our aim to help the people who really need it. However, there are some who don’t want to admit they need help. We want them to know that we are here to offer a range of services, from community groups to help and support.”