Ducks stars deliver for sick fan

The smiling supporter is pictured in hospital with a signed Ducks shirt after his friends and family wrote to officials at the EVO-STIK League Southern Division One Central club to help lift his spirits as he starts out on a long road to recovery.

Diagnosed in early December, after undergoing a 13 hour operation he later spent much of the Christmas holiday period in isolation and is now learning to walk independently again with his long term prognosis still unclear despite subsequent scans giving him the all clear.

His friend Jason Hanson sent his thanks to the Ducks this week for their swift support as Andy's brother-in-law and two friends launched an online fundraising campaign to raise £1,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity in June by undertaking a 200 mile bike ride from London to Paris in 24 hours.

Hanson said: "When it became evident Andy was going to be in hospital over Christmas I contacted Aylesbury United and asked if there was anything the club could do for Andy to put a smile on his face over Christmas. Within a few days I had a signed shirt at my home with an invitation for Andy to go and watch a game as a special guest when he was feeling better.

"I would like to express my sincerest gratitude on behalf of Andy and the family to the club for the wonderful gesture. As you can see it certainly did put a smile on his face! I would also like to thank the manager of Aylesbury FC who contacted me personally to offer his support."

The fan's brother-in-law Matthew Kirk said seeing his battle had inspired him to start raising funds for a charity which funds medical research into the disease and support for people affected by brain tumours.

Urging fans of the supporter-run club to sponsor the trio's attempts on June 17 on his online fund raising page, he said: "It provides vital support to families and research and we would all be grateful if you could contribute to this great cause so we can raise as much money as possible.

"I have seen first hand the dramatic impact a brain tumour can have and Andy has fought bravely against the odds. He had a successful operation and is now going through the tough journey of rehabilitation. He has made positive progress but has a long journey ahead.

"Having seen this first hand, it has inspired me to want to raise money for a great charity who support sufferers of brain tumours and research into this disease."

For more information and to donate visit: http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Matthew-Kirk2

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