THE brave little boy who pushed his wheelchair around Cumbrae to collect cash for the Waverley's refit has raised a superb four-figure sum.

Ethan Pringle handed over a cheque for £1,630 to Paul Semple, Chairman of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, after his marathon effort last Sunday.

The four-year-old travelled around the island in his wheelchair carrying a bucket for donations, accompanied by cousin Jane Forrest, and cheered on by family and friends.

The fundraising mission captured the hearts of everyone on the island, with the youngster's wheelchair decked out in the guise of the famous paddle steamer.

Proud mum Laura said: "Ethan did fantastically well.

"The trek started in good weather and it rained just a wee bit round at Fintry, but it wasn't heavy.

"There were amazing scenes, some people even drove round the island to find him so they could just put money in his bucket.

"People were cheering him on and he finished at around 3.45pm to great celebration.

"It was a great thing for him to do and it just goes to show how passionate even children are about the Waverley.

"Everyone on the island really got behind him and as a family we are very grateful."

Laura added: "Special thanks to Jennifer at the sweet shop for donating food, Allison and the Ritz Cafe team for our lunch half way round and Kay for transforming Ethan’s wheelchair into the most amazing Waverley lookalike.

"We can’t forget the support team either who were so great.

"We are over the moon with the final total of £1,630."

Ethan inherited the same degenerative condition that robbed his mum and brother of their mobility.

The four-year-old has a rare illness which affects his lower limbs, meaning that he requires to use a wheelchair and walking aids.

Mum Laura and sibling Jamie, 15, also have the rare condition, known as hereditary paraplegia.

The condition refers to a group of inherited disorders that are characterised by progressive weakening and stiffness of the legs

Ethan's dad Robert added: "The Waverley is something people maybe took for granted. Ethan definitely misses it and hopefully it won't be long until it returns to Millport."