Money pours in as Doncaster teenage football star faces cancer battle

Goalkeeper Joe Tolliday 15, has been forced to quit playing while he undergoes treatment after discovering a lump in his lower back while showering after a game a few weeks ago.

Following his cancer diagnosis, big-hearted team-mates at hs club Finningley FC U15s have rallied around, with the community, other clubs and even star name footballers sending him messages of support.

His football coaches Glyn Heffren and Richard Taylor have already raised more than £3,000 through a Crowdfunding page – and are keen to push the total even high to help Joe’s family as he undergoes a programme of chemotherapy over the coming months.

Said Glyn: “Joe and his family are fighters and they willl beat this horrible disease. It knocked us all for six when we heard about it.

"He’s a fantastic young lad and his team-mates all wanted to do something to help him.”

Joe, known as “Tolls” has played for the club since the age of six, helping the club to continued success with his skills between the sticks.

And this weekend, his team-mates and coaches will take on a 15 mile walk from Finningley to Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium to raise even more cash for Joe’s parents Lee and Paula to help support them financially through his cancer fight.

Added Glyn: “We are a close knit family club and when we heard about Joe, it hit us all hard. When we told the lads, their immediate response was ‘let’s do something for him.’

The club is also organising a family fun day and penalty shoot out this weekend to raise funds, while former Sheffield Wednesday ace Carlton Palmer, current Leeds United star Liam Cooper and Doncaster Rovers boss Andy Butler have also sent messages of support. Other local football clubs from Armthorpe, Sprotbrough and Tickhill have also raised cash.

Added Glyn: “We have been overwhelmed by local club generosity and people’s love for Joe and his family. It is amazing and touching.”

You can donate to Joe’s appeal HERE