Villagers who gathered on Sunday for a triathlon in aid of a nine-year-old boy with a life-limiting genetic condition have raised more than £14,000.

William Eames, who lives in Codicote, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy - a progressive and incurable muscle-wasting disease which has already made William dependent on a wheelchair and will severely limit his life expectancy.

The Comet: William with some of the triathletesWilliam with some of the triathletes (Image: Helen Allum)

His mum's best friend, pilates instructor Vikki Davis, wanted to do something special for her 50th birthday that would raise money for national charity Duchenne UK and a local fund - Defending William Against Duchenne - which helps William and his family deal with the impact of his disease.

The Comet: Vikki with William's mum, Jo, and their daughters Amber and PhoebeVikki with William's mum, Jo, and their daughters Amber and Phoebe (Image: Alannah Hebbert)

Vikki, who also lives in Codicote, set herself the target of swimming 1,250 metres, cycling 50 kilometres and running five miles back-to-back to raise money for William and the charity working towards a cure.

The Comet: The event was well-supportedThe event was well-supported (Image: Alannah Hebbert)

On the day, 43 people inspired by Vikki took part in the triathlon - cycling from Codicote to Hatfield Leisure Centre for their swim, before completing the rest of the 50km cycle, followed by a five-mile fun run back in Codicote.

The Comet: William, cheering on his mumWilliam, cheering on his mum (Image: Alannah Hebbert)

About 100 people took part in the fun run, including lots of children, and the money raised has topped £14,000, with cash donations on the day still being processed. It will be split 50/50 between Duchenne UK and Defending William Against Duchenne.

The Comet: William's mum, Jo, at the front of the packWilliam's mum, Jo, at the front of the pack (Image: Alannah Hebbert)

William's mum, Jo, said: "The whole village came together for us on Sunday and I can't thank everyone enough. All the triathletes supported each other the whole way round and when we got back to Codicote our wonderful volunteers were stewarding the fun run and sorting out cakes and refreshments. It was an amazing day and I'm blown away by how much money was raised."

The Comet: Dozens of children took part in the fun runDozens of children took part in the fun run (Image: Helen Allum)

She added: "William's condition is continuing to decline, which is heartbreaking to watch. We find hope by funding research with Duchenne UK."

Vikki said: "This event was all about William and his family, but he was there for us too, cheering us on and joining in the fun run on his tri-ride wheelchair.

The Comet: The triathlon included a 50km cycle rideThe triathlon included a 50km cycle ride (Image: Alannah Hebbert)

"You always wish there was more you could do, but I'm delighted we raised so much money to help with research into Duchenne, and to support William as he grows up."