His latest brain operation was just weeks ago.

But Lewis Hine is a charity superhero, raising more than £20,000 in his short life, and he is now getting ready to take part in his second Mini South Run on Saturday.

Lewis suffers from hydrocephalus, known as water on the brain, and epilepsy. He is wheelchair-bound after his latest stint in hospital but is still excited about taking part in the run.

He said: 'I'm really looking forward to it, the run is lots of fun. I just want to help all the poorly children, I really want to do it just for them so I can help them feel better again. Raising money for charity is fun and I just like to help all those children who are in hospital.'

The money raised will be donated to Wessex Neurological Centre based at Southampton General Hospital, where Lewis of Prospect Lane, West Leigh, has undergone his operations.

Lewis, who attends Thomas More's RC Primary School in Bedhampton, is joined on the three-quarter-mile course by sisters Chloe, nine, and Jessica, five, who have been running the Mini South Run for the last three years for Lewis's cause.

This year they hope to raise £200 and are joined by mum Emma, 31, who is pushing Lewis's wheelchair, and husband Wayne, 36, also in tow.

She said: 'Lewis is always doing things for charity and so are Jessica and Chloe. Lewis has done bowling charity nights, and for the last three years has asked people to not give him birthday presents but just give to charity instead.

'We have seen a lot of horrible things in hospital, not all children are as lucky as Lewis and we have seen children pass away.

'People say they don't know how we cope, but we see so many people worse off than us and we feel lucky that we can do something to help.'

Emma also plans to run the 10 mile Great South Run on Sunday and hopes that with her friends they can raise £2,000 for the Wessex Neurological Centre.

This year they will run in nuns' outfits after their superhero costumes were ruined by the heavy rain last year.

A website has been set up for public donations at www.justgiving.com/LewisHine