THE family of footballer Tony Hopper say they are overwhelmed by the way people are rallying round the former Barrow AFC and Carlisle United player.

A fundraising campaign, set up after it was revealed that Hopper had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, has reached its initial £10,000 target.

Hopper, who had two stints at Holker Street, now lives near Carlisle with his wife Sue.

They set up the appeal because they want to take their three young sons on a two-week holiday to Disneyland as part of a bid to make as many memories as possible over the next two years.

Hopper's condition, bulbar-onset motor neurone disease, is a life-limiting illness with an average prognosis of two to three years from the start of symptoms. His symptoms began last May.

Sue said: "We are really grateful and overwhelmed by the response.

"It is amazing to see how people are pulling together for us.

"We just want to say a big thank you to everyone."

Several former teammates have been donating cash, while Carlisle United are also rallying around their former player, with the Hoppers due to be guests of honour at the Blues' home game against Portsmouth on Saturday, February 25, with sons - Jack, four, Adam, seven and Daniel, nine - set to be mascots.

Blues spokesman Andy Hall said: "It will be a fantastic way for us to help Tony, Sue and their wider family say thank you for the way people have rallied round them from the moment this came into the public domain.

"In one sense it has been breathtaking - but also not surprising when you know the type of lad Tony is and how much he put into our football club."

The Hoppers are also planning to help raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/creating-hoppy-memories?rcid=e1088cfeed464fe29a0de8d5b19362f0