An eight-year-old charity fundraiser has received a big green and yellow boost to his appeal after being chosen to carry out the match ball at the Norwich City's derby game against Ipswich Town yesterday.

North Norfolk News: Alfie Oswick was the community hero who carried out the match ball for the Norwich City game against Ipswich Town. His name was shown on the big screen, Pictures: Oswick familyAlfie Oswick was the community hero who carried out the match ball for the Norwich City game against Ipswich Town. His name was shown on the big screen, Pictures: Oswick family (Image: Oswick family)

Alfie Oswick, from Cawston, near Reepham, is raising money for Dereham Cancer Care after his mum was diagnosed with skin cancer and he lost two great grandparents to the disease.

North Norfolk News: Alfie Oswick with mum Jennifer. Alfie was the community hero who carried out the match ball for the Norwich City game against Ipswich Town. Pictures: Oswick familyAlfie Oswick with mum Jennifer. Alfie was the community hero who carried out the match ball for the Norwich City game against Ipswich Town. Pictures: Oswick family (Image: Oswick family)

Science mad Alfie created his own YouTube channel to upload videos of toy reviews and asks people to send in challenges so he can receive donations after he has completed them.

After reading his story in the EDP and Dereham Times the club invited Alfie to be the KarePlus Community Hero.

Mum Jennifer said she had tried to get tickets for the game for City fan Alfie and his dad and was unsuccessful so were delighted to be offered the chance to not just go to the match but be treated like VIPs for the day.

'We had to go in the directors' entrance and we saw Ed Balls and all the other posh people going up to their boxes,' she said.

'They took Alfie pitchside and he went and put the match ball on the plinth.

'He walked round the pitch and everyone was waving at him and shouting his name.

'It was such an amazing day and so much for him to take in as the atmosphere was huge.'

As a result of his appearance and a write-up in the match programme Alfie has seen some more donations come in.

'We are now at £1,800, so just a little way to go to his goal of one billion,' said Mrs Oswick. 'Dereham Cancer Care really is a special place and Janet Money makes everyone feel so welcome. They deserve every penny we raise.'

Alfie, who goes to Cawston Primary School, added: 'I don't want anyone else to be poorly or suffer.'

The family are holding a pamper evening on Wednesday, April 5 at Whitwell and Reepham station as well as sponsored obstacle races with friends and family later on in the year to raise money.

To donate to Alfie's Awesome Appeal go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alfiesawesomeappeal.

To nominate someone to be a Norwich City community hero for their community efforts or personal achievements, email communityhero@canaries.co.uk.