Fans raise £4,000 for 6-year-old who sent heartwarming note and 26p to favourite player

Football fans have raised a whopping £4,000 for a six-year-old who sent heartwarming note and 26p to his favourite player.

"Joe," a Swindon Town supporter, sent a letter to the Robins to laud star Harry McKirdy and sadly revealed that his mum cannot afford to bring him to matches.

An outpouring of goodwill from the football community came after the Swindon shared the letter on Tuesday evening with the hope of locating Joe, explaining they wanted to get in touch but had no return address.

In under 24 hours, more than 350 fans of clubs including Liverpool and Manchester City donated up to £50 each to a JustGiving fundraising page, with supporters hoping he can use the cash to watch his beloved League Two side in action.

The crowdfund has reached as far as the United States, with Scott Allinson posting along with his £20 donation: "Read the story and feel so bad for the boy.

"Hoping you find him and he gets a chance for a great day out at Swindon Town FC. From a Middlesbrough fan in Houston, Texas USA

Nine-year-old Liverpool fan Niamh Denehan gave Joe £5 of her pocket money, writing: "Hope you play for your favourite team some day."

Lyn Sutherland gave £10 and added: "Hope you have the best day Joe when you get to watch your team play.

"Your mummy has brought you up very well, proof that love and affection is what matters."

Ross Turner, who gave £50, then claimed Joe's note melted his heart, going on to say: "It's during times like this that makes football so special. What a lovely lad."

The letter in question read: "Mummy doesn't have any money to come to Swindon games because she has no money for food and has to pay for my dinner at school.

"I like Swindon Town Harry McKirdy. I will come one day. Joe Aged 6 ½."

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