WATCH: Inverness black belt (14) says karate helping in fight against cancer
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A teenage black belt has spoken of how karate is helping him in his fight against cancer as he joins in a fundraising campaign on behalf of his club.
Vilis Forstmanis (14), a member of Karate Alba Merkinch Karate Club in Inverness, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last year.
After spending a year in hospital, he is continuing to receive chemotherapy treatment but is determined to carry on with the sport and is due to compete a wheelchair.
He is also campaigning for his club after it was selected to take part in the Cash for Kids Sports Challenge in a bid to win up to £5000.
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While raising funds and awareness for the club at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness, Vilis chatted to club member Debbie McDonnell about his incredible story in facing the challenges of cancer – and how karate along with his "karate family" and other supporters are helping him in his recovery.
"Karate is really actually good and especially for me," Vilis says.
"Anyone can do it. I am in a wheelchair and do it.
"I have been through a lot but I have still carried on."
The Karate Alba Merkinch Karate Club, which runs twice a week in Merkinch Community Centre, is one of five clubs in the north of Scotland chosen to compete in MFR's Cash for Kids Sports Challenge
The aim is to help enable more disadvantaged children to get active and involved in sport.
The clubs raise as much money as they can by noon on Monday October 16.
The top three fundraisers will receive an extra £5000, £2500 and £1500 on top of what they raise plus there are special awards of £500 each for the best use of social media and most creative fundraising idea.
On its fundraising page, the Merkinch Karate Club outlines how the sport can be easily adapted for children with physical and mental disabilities and adds it welcomes all to be part of its community.
Vilis has also highlighted how funds will help members to take part in competitions.
"All this money goes to everyone," he says. "We are a team."
Other clubs taking part in the challenge are the Highland Synchronized Ice Skating Teams, Beauly Shinty Club, Tain Juniors and Elgin Sports Community Trust.
