Barrow star Brad Barry has revealed his pride after the fundraiser set up to support Bluebirds teammate Lewis Hardcastle stormed past the £10,000 target in just over three days.
Like the rest of the squad, Barry was stunned when he learned the news that Hardcastle was going to have to retire from the professional game due to the diagnosis of a genetic heart condition.
Barry played alongside Hardcastle last season as Barrow won a historic promotion back to the Football League and he says the bond among that squad will always remain strong.
And that is why he wanted to do something to show his teammate how much support he had – from the dressing room, from the terraces and from the wider football family.
“It’s made us realise how important each day is,” Barry told iFollow.
“For Lewis, he is such a good pro and does everything right on and off the pitch, so this is just devastating.
“He’s like a brother to me so I will always want to help him and I wanted him to know that we’re all always going to be behind him.”
The Go Fund Me appeal was set up on Friday afternoon with an initial target of £10,000 and within 24 hours the donations had seen it race to the halfway point before it smashed through the milestone on Tuesday.
“The support we have had is incredible; so many people have donated. Even other clubs, like Stevenage at the weekend, it just shows how much love there is in the sport.
“The donation from the Trust’s raffle just shows what kind of Club we are. To get nearly £3,000 for one game’s raffle is unbelievable and I think it shows Lewis how much the fans care.
“I just hope he can get something out of this fundraiser that we’ve done whether it’s in football or not, as long as he is happy.
“If this can’t act as motivation for the rest of the players then nothing can. The fight in this group is massive anyway – but this has given us even more firepower for what’s ahead.”
Click here now if you would like to donate to the Lewis Hardcastle Fundraiser.