THE spirit of Christmas came to Galashiels early after an 11-year-old boy overheard his mum and granny.

Riley Higgins was so moved by the plight of five-year-old Teejay Shaw that he wanted to help.

Ever since being diagnosed with rare Perthes disease last August, Teejay has undergone operations and hospital stays.

The painful children's condition, which can last for several years, affects the groin, hips and thighs.

Teejay was on holiday in Blackpool during August 2018 when he became unwell and was later diagnosed with the condition at the town's Victoria Hospital.

When Riley heard how Teejay had to spend his seaside holiday in hospital he, with help from mum Kim, set up a fundraising page in a bid to send the youngster back to Blackpool with his family for another deserved break.

And he is now closing in on his £500 target.

Teejay's mum Selena told us: "Myself and TeeJay were very touched to hear that Riley had decided to set up a fundraiser.

"For an 11-year-old boy to think of another child is amazing.

"Riley’s family should be very proud of the kind and caring young man he is. "

At an appointment at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh in January, a consultant revealed that TeeJay's condition had reached its worst stage and he would require a femoral osteotomy to realign the joints in his hips.

But during the procedure TeeJay's femur broke.

After having a plate and pins inserted into his leg, he was unable to walk for nine weeks.

Earlier this month the plate and pins were finally removed.

And now he is looking forward to returning to Blackpool next year - without any visits to the hospital.

Selena added: "We’d like to say a massive thank you to Riley and his family for doing this for TeeJay, thank you to everyone who has shared Riley’s go fund me page and a massive thank you to everyone who has donated online or given cash donations."

Perthes Disease affects only one in 9000 children with no clear reason why it occurs.

Riley's fundraising page has so far raised around £200.

You can donate to the 'TeeJay's Travels' crowdfunding page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/tee-jays-travels