A PUB landlord will be hosting a race with a difference to raise funds for hospital staff who have provided life-changing treatment.

Paul Bugg was diagnosed with a rare condition called Cervical Dystonia in his mid-40s.

It is an extremely painful muscle condition that left his arm and neck locked together.

As part of his treatment he needs botox injections at Colchester Hospital every 12 weeks.

To thank the hospital for helping him live a normal life, he is hosting a fundraiser with a funny twist - maggot racing.

Grandad of 13 Paul, 55, from Colchester, said: “When I was in my mid 40s my head started wobbling and I couldn’t write. My wife told me to go to hospital, obviously I thought the worst.

“It got worse and worse until I couldn’t turn my neck, I was in severe pain all the time.”

Paul was diagnosed with the condition, which is similar to Multiple Sclerosis, and underwent a number of treatments including acupuncture and hypnotherapy.

He then started having botox injections at the hospital.

He said: “It took about 18 months for them to kick in properly but I can look straight ahead now. I still have pain and I still have trouble doing up my clothes and eating but the hospital has been amazing.

“They are absolutely pushed to the limit but they always have time for you.”

He has up to six injections in his neck every 12 weeks. It costs the hospital about £600 per session.

Paul, who owns the Royal Mortar pub in Military Road, Colchester, said: “I used to like playing football and tennis before this but I can’t do any of that now.

“It’s horrible but I don’t let it stop me. I can still drive and do a lot of the things I did before.

“I just want to give a little something back to the hospital.

“We take for granted how the NHS pays for everything but we all know they can’t. They are under a lot of pressure.”

As such, Paul is hosting a charity football match, but the event everyone is looking forward to most is the maggot race.

He said: “They have a racetrack and have to jump over matchsticks as hurdles.

“It’s a funny event and to raise money for the hospital people can buy their maggots and put bets on.”

There will also be pie and hot wing eating challenges.

Paul is married to wife Tanya and has six children and 13 grandchildren.

He will be hosting his event for the Gainsborough wing at the pub on Sunday August 25. To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/my-dads-fundraiser-for-colchester-hospital.