Eight Northamptonshire kick-boxing teams took part in the event at Rushden Athletic Club in Newton Road, which has been supporting the family of Chelsea Knighton, of Irthlingborough, in their efforts to raise £180,000 to send her to America for treatment.

Audience members gave generously to a bucket collection organised by the club for Chelsea. One club member, Andy Hollongbery, also volunteered to have his chest shaved to raise additional funds.

Chelsea's aunt, Sam Knighton, of Rushden, said: "We managed to get Chelsea to the event and she had a great time meeting the kick-boxers and enjoyed watching them.

"They were all really good and we're very grateful to them and the club.

"The club has been so supportive to us. Members keep doing bucket collections for Chelsea and have said they are going to carry on raising money for her.

"We are also very grateful to Andy who volunteered to have his chest shaved to raise more money for Chelsea.

"This is a horrible position for our family to be in but the support we are receiving from the community has been tremendous."

Athletic club entertainment secretary Tim Chambers helped to organise the event.

He said: "We all help charities which are miles away, but this is a chance to help a little girl from around here who needs our support.

"We were really pleased with the response we got to the fundraiser – the teams were all very good and Andy also did very well."

The event is expected to have raised about £280.