Champs a class act.

Byline: By Simon Armstrong

Kind hearted supersta- rs have thrown their support behind a father's campaign to raise awareness of his son's illness.

When little Sam Smith was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in November 2002, his parents were determined to help fund research into the life-limiting condition.

Now dad Danny, an English teacher at Ryton Comprehensive, has organised a fundraiser at the school today and has enlisted Peter Beardsley, Rob Andrew and Jonathan Edwards.

Starting at 7am, Danny has been squeezing in a series of fun-filled activities as he crams one week's worth of lessons into just 24 hours. Viz creator Simon Donald and MP Alan Milburn are also participating, along with stars from Byker Grove.

Duchenne sufferers tend to be confined to a wheelchair from around the age of eight and their life expectancy is just 16 to 20 years.

To help, the website address is: www.thelongestday.co.uk