AFC Telford in charity drive after young player Lauren diagnosed with cancer
AFC Telford United hosted a charity football tournament after learning that one of its younger players had been diagnosed with bone cancer.
U16s player Lauren Fishman, from Bratton, Telford, has recently been diagnosed with the disease.
The club said it was saddened to hear the news and arranged the charity tournament which took place at the New Bucks Head.
AFC Telford United U16s, Burton Albion U16s and Shrewsbury Juniors U16s all took part in the event.
It raised more than £2,100 for the Teenage Cancer Trust and the oncology ward at Princess Royal Hospital – both causes that had been chosen by 15-year-old Lauren.
More than 200 people turned up at the tournament on Sunday to show their support for the Thomas Telford School pupil.
Funds were raised through donations and sales of cakes and other refreshments.
Luke Shelley, head of youth teams at AFC Telford United, said Lauren could not play in the tournament but walked out onto the pitch with the teams.
He said: "Lauren has been on the team for more than a year. She loves football.
"We got a phone call from her mother to tell us the terrible news.
"We wanted to show our support and the club gave us permission to use the facilities.
"There were over 200 people here. "It was a brilliant atmosphere. Lauren was a bit overwhelmed with how many people came down. The community all pulled together.
"Thank you to everyone who donated and came out to show their support. The donations are still coming in."
