An aspiring young hockey goalie from Co Down, who is dreaming of a future career in the profession, is appealing for help to make his dream a reality.
Nine-year-old Charlie Wall from Conlig recently took up ice and inline hockey after inheriting a love of the sport from his dad Shane, who plays for Bangor Chiefs Inline Hockey Club.
Charlie, who attends Grange Park Primary School in Bangor, has also watched the Belfast Giants play a number of times and even trained with the Junior Belfast Giants.
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Charlie now wants to become the best but in order for him to do so, he needs to train with the best.
"We have found a training camp run by USA hockey coach Colin Grubb, who has a lot of experience of playing ice hockey then coaching in Scotland," Shane told Belfast Live.
"Colin Grubb Goaltending in Dumfries is specifically for goalies to help them learn the vital skills and experience to help become the best goalie they can.
"In order for us to get Charlie there this August, a large cost is required that we hope people can all help us with. These funds will be used to pay for his travel, accommodation and the four day course, which costs £500 alone, with hopefully some new equipment that he desperately needs."
But while Charlie is aiming to fulfil his dream, the big-hearted youngster also realises that some children never get to reach theirs so he is donating half of everything raised in his GoFundMe campaign to the Make a Wish Foundation UK.
"While this is Charlie's dream, he understands that there are other kids out there who might not be able to get to their dreams so he wanted to donate some of what is raised to charity as well," Shane added.
As part of his fundraising, Charlie is also planning to climb five mountains around the island of Ireland - with his Dad of course - to show that he really means business.
"We wanted to do something to help raise the money and we previously climbed the Mournes with the whole family during lockdown, which Charlie enjoyed," added Shane, who is married to Rachel and is also dad to seven-year-old Lucy.
"I told him to pick a number of mountains to climb and he came up with five so we just need to pick where to go next. Any donations big or small that would help both Charlie and the Make a Wish Foundation UK would be greatly appreciated."
You can donate here.
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