A SOLDIER has undertaken a bungee jump off Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge to raise funds for stem cell treatment for a toddler who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after being starved of oxygen during labour.

Ripon-based Royal Engineer Stephen Maher said he wanted to boost the £60,000 appeal to enable 18-month-old Enzo Thompson to develop basic physical skills.

The 27-year-old said he hoped the 160ft leap would also raise awareness of the fundraising campaign for the toddler from Hampshire.

Enzo’s mother, Caroline, said the damage caused to Enzo's brain meant he is unable to process the signals that his brain is sending to his body.

She said: “Stem cell treatment is a way of repairing and replacing these damaged cells.

“In the long run we hope that the treatment will offer our son a better quality of life and the chance to be free and independent.”

To donate, visit Justgiving.com/Enzostemcell or text ENZO55 followed by your donation to 70070.