SEVEN-year-old Isaac White brought the spirit of Christmas to a special fundraising event for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in Oxford.

Isaac was chosen to light the first candle for an evening of music and readings at Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday night.

Readings were given by famous faces from television and cinema including Vicar of Dibley star James Fleet and Dominic West, of the American hit drama The Wire.

But it was the youngster from Marston who got the evening off to a magical and emotional start.

Isaac was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2008, when there were concerns over his mobility and language development.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a life-limiting, muscle-wasting condition.

Isaac, of Derwent Avenue, is a pupil at St Nicholas Primary School, Marston.

His mother, Katherine, said: “Isaac celebrated his seventh birthday on Sunday and this was a wonderful night for both of us.

“The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign provided us with invaluable practical and emotional support when we were at our lowest.”

The evening featured music from The Dragon School choir and festive readings from Mr Fleet, whose father died aged 49 as a result of muscular dystrophy. He read from The Wind in the Willows.

Readings were also given by actors Peter Egan, Geraldine James, Caroline Langrishe and Helen Atkinson Wood.

It is hoped that the money raised could exceed last year’s total of £10,000. The Oxford Times again acted as media partner of the event.

It was the third year that the campaign has held one of its Spirit of Christmas events at Christ Church. Others are held in London and Chester.