Martial arts experts fought all day to raise funds to help a seriously-ill toddler.

Craig Long, the owner of York Martial Arts Academy, organised the event in aid of two-year-old William Rhodes, who suffers from a rare form of anaemia.

World, European and British champions fought at Sunday’s event at York College, which featured kickboxing and karate.

All funds raised from the event will go towards funding life-saving treatment for William, whose family hope to raise £60,000 to fund genetic treatment to enable a bone-marrow transplant for the toddler.

William’s mum, Caroline Rhodes, said she was extremely grateful that Craig, a family friend, had offered to help.

She said: “It was really nice of him to come forward and suggest that they do some fundraising for Willliam. There was a really big turn- out and was expected to be all day. It’s brilliant they are helping us and it’s nice to know people want to support you.”