AN AUCTION of celebrity possessions is expected to raise thousands of pounds for a charity which helps children who ‘will never walk’ take their first steps.

Footballers Phil Neville, Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas are among celebrities who have donated items for an online auction in aid of the Footsteps Foundation, which funds treatment for disabled children at a centre in Warborough, near Wallingford.

The Footsteps centre gives children with a range of physical and neurological conditions a work out using state-of-the-art technology.

One piece of equipment the physiotherapists use is called the Spider – a system of elastic ropes which helps children move their limbs.

The Warborough centre has the only Spider currently in use in the UK.

One of the children who uses it is five-year-old Oscar Scott Towers, from Wheatley.

Oscar was born with a catalogue of physical and neurological conditions, and has damaged kidneys.

He has had 13 general anaesthetics, has attended more than 700 medical appointments and has had major operations on his heart, cleft palate and one of his legs.

His mother Hazel Scott Towers said after a few sessions at Footsteps the youngster was able to kick a ball, crawl, and bend down to the floor.

She said: “I can’t say enough about Footsteps. It’s just wonderful.

“From going to just standing, to weight bearing, to bottom shuffling and crawling, Oscar has made so much progress.”

The auction, which runs online until Saturday, November 28, will raise money for the charitable arm of the Footsteps centre, which provides financial assistance for children whose parents cannot afford treatment.

Singer Justin Timberlake has donated a pair of shoes, most members of the Arsenal football squad have donated a pair of signed football boots to the auction, Glasgow Rangers has donated a team signed football, and Everton has donated a signed photo of England footballer Phil Neville.

The Honda racing team has donated a t-shirt and England rugby team manager Martin Johnson handed over an autographed canvas.

Pippa Hoyer Millar, founder of the Footsteps Foundation, said: “Celebrities and businesses have been overwhelming with their generosity.

“We are auctioning everything from an amazing holiday on the Northumbrian Coast to a pair of Bally shoes that Justin Timberlake loves.

“All of the money we raise will go towards helping vulnerable children who need intensive physiotherapy to learn to walk or be independent to the best of their ability.

“Every pound goes towards helping a young child with neurological issues develop physically and in confidence.”

To bid for the items visit the website at buyoncegivetwice.co.uk or to find out more about the Footsteps Foundation visit footstepsfoundation.com