A CAMPAIGNER raising money for a boy with severe brain damage has lost half a stone after giving up smoking and drinking for September.

Samuel May, who is behind the campaign Bring Back Olive’s Smile, came up with ‘Stoptember’ when thinking up new ways to raise money to help Oliver Johnson, aged five, regain his motor functions and muscle strength.

Oliver suffered a massive seizure while at home in 2016 and had a rare type of inflammation in the brain which left him severely brain damaged.

Samuel told the Adver: “I was drinking every night of the week, it was just a habit. I didn’t realise at all.

“I was shocked myself, when I looked back it was horrendous.”

Going cold turkey and cycling 16k every day has meant the weight has just dropped off.

“It’s kind of mad, I can actually see I’ve got a jawline," he added. "I think I’m going to have to get a load of new work shirts because they’re all getting a bit baggy."

Oliver’s parents want to raise £15,000 to get an oxygen chamber to use at home. At the moment the family is travelling one hour to take Oliver to have oxygen therapy in Stroud.

A home oxygen chamber could give six-year-old Oliver a chance of smiling again.

"He’s more active, he’s getting stronger, and his muscles are becoming looser," said Samuel. "It’s only been four weeks so the long-term effects could be massive.

To donate to the campaign go to www.bringbackoliverssmile.co.uk.