Charity call for dying mother of two

Officials at the Magpies say they've been proud to give another meaning to the 'beautiful game' in Dorset after committing to raising funds for single mum Lisa Hopton.

Pictured with her sons Harrison and Bailey, the 48-year-old was diagnosed with liver cancer three years ago. Sadly, after undergoing an operation to remove a third of her liver, she now has little time left after an aggressive and incurable form of the cancer returned to her liver and lungs. Instead of chemotherapy, she has opted for natural therapies.

After donating half the gate receipts from their 3-2 win over North Leigh in EVO-STIK League Southern Division One South & West at the W+S Stadium on Saturday 5 November, the Magpies are urging fans to support an online gofundme campaign to raise funds for the boy's future education, further therapies and either a holiday for the family or travel abroad to see a specialist for treatment. As of Monday night, more than £30,000 had already been raised towards a £350,000 target with the appeal trending on the fundraising platform.

Felix Brown, a 10-year-old who is also battling cancer, had already agreed to be the matchday mascot for the fundraising win over North Leigh and the Magpies say they were "proud and humbled" to offer the club's support.

A spokesman said: "As a football club, we not only have a responsibility to those who love watching and playing the game, we also have a responsibility to our local community. When we recently heard the sad news regarding Lisa, a Sturminster Marshall lady, born and bred, and her family, we thought that it was only right and proper that the club should respond in the best way we could by trying to help. All too frequently, we hear or know of some one who has been struck with this dreadful disease.

"Long before we heard of Lisa's plight, we invited Felix Brown - a tremendously brave 10-year-old boy, who also has been fighting his own battle with the disease. Lisa and Felix are an inspiration to us all; football is just a game, it is the value of life that is so important. Wimborne Town FC are very proud and humbled to be able to help these brave people. That is what community spirit is all about."

For more information and to donate visit: www.gofundme.com/lisas-only-chance-to-beat-cancer-2umune9m.

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1