A MARTIAL artist will attempt to break a gruelling world record in an attempt raise cash for a good cause.

Lee Ashman, of Witney, will try to complete 200 two minute kickboxing rounds – with only one minute breaks between each round – in May.

The 39-year-old is using the challenge to raise funds so an eight-year-old boy with cerebral palsy can get physiotherapy.

Mr Ashman said: “I’m not too nervous at the moment but I expect I will be as it gets closer.

“It helps that there’ll be plenty of people there to cheer me on and that I’m doing it for a good cause.

“People have been quite impressed when I’ve told them what I’m doing but they have said they’d rather it was me than them.

“I’m just going to set my mind on that Chinese I’ll be having afterwards.”

The challenge will see Mr Ashman take on alternating opponents throughout the course of the day. If successful, he will beat the current British Kickboxing Council world record of 178 rounds.

The dad-of-two previously completed 100 two minute rounds to raise money for an arthritis charity for his son, Adam, 12, who has the condition.

This time he will raise funds for physiotherapy for Jacob Fletcher, eight, who has cerebral palsy. Mr Ashman met Jacob, his twin brother Jordan, and mum Lucy at the Freestyle Martial Arts course he attends in Wood Green School, Witney.

Jacob, who doctors said would not be able to walk after his birth, had an operation in America in 2013. He has received ongoing physiotherapy after the operation and now needs to continue the therapy to ensure he reaps the full benefits of the surgery.

Ms Fletcher, 28, who lives with her sons in New Bridge, Witney, said: “Jacob has made massive progress and we need to keep it going. He couldn’t walk at all, even with some kind of support, and now he can with quad sticks.

“He’s done amazingly well and we’re very proud of him. And it wouldn’t have been possible without physiotherapy.

“What Lee’s doing to help is great. We do an hour long martial arts course and that’s tiring – so for him to do 10 hours’ worth is amazing.”

The event will take place in Witney on May 27, with a venue to be confirmed. Mr Ashman is looking for a local business to sponsor the event to help cover the costs of venue and ring hire.

He can be contacted via the Facebook page, which can be found by searching for '200 Rounds for Jacob'.

To make a donation toward's Jacob's therapy go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Jacobsfootsteps

As well as training in Witney, Mr Ashman teaches a martial arts class in Kidlington. For more information visit freestylemartialarts.com