A HEREFORD man is to take part in a 24 hour 'grapplethon' to help raise money for his brother who has fragile bones. 

Theo Ianculescu is battling Rickets Osteomalacia in Romania, and faces the looming threat of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. It means the 14-year-old's bones could become as fragile as sticks, necessitating in a 24/7 care team.

Thankfully, a clinic has been found for him in Marseille, France, which will offer him life-saving treatment. However, it will cost £7,500.

To raise the much-needed funds, Theo's brother, Alex, will be doing a grapplethon next Saturday (May 4) where he will wrestle and fight for 24 hours. 

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It will be at Ground Hammer Training Centre in Thorn Business Park, Rotherwas, with Mr Ianculescu starting the gruelling challenge at 9am. 

So, far, more than £2,500 has been raised on an online GoFundMe page. 

"I first reached out to people at my gym and explained the situation," said Mr Ianculescu, who looks after disabled people and is a student nurse.

"They received the message with open hearts and unwavering determination.

"Together, we've devised a plan: a 24-hour Grapplethon fundraiser to gather the £7,500 needed for life-saving treatment at a clinic in Marseille, France.

"I am a competitor but have never done anything like this before. It's such a gruelling challenge for 24 hours."

Mr  Ianculescu, who has been at the gym for five or six years, said that his brother has been battling the condition for the past four years. 

"I didn't see him growing up but have always been in close contact," he said.

"He went from doctor to doctor to discover what the problem was.

"For the past four years, he's been fighting with it and we have to keep it in check. 

"We found a spot in France. It's a clinic that will give him support for his arms. 

"They are a bit crooked and one of his legs is a bit shorter.

"He will then only need treatment once a year going forward, so that's got to be good."