People are raising money to help send former Carlisle United and Workington Reds favourite Tony Hopper and his young family on the trip of a lifetime after it was revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Tony and his wife Sue have set up a fundraising page that will help them take their three young sons to Disneyland.

In the first 12 hours people had already raised more than half of a £10,000 target, which the Hoppers say will help them create as many memories as possible.

It follows the heartbreaking news that Tony has been diagnosed with bulbar-onset motor neurone disease, a life-limiting illness with an average prognosis of two to three years from the start of symptoms.

Tony's symptoms began in May 2016.

Several of Tony's former team-mates have already donated to the family's appeal, which was launched online last night, with fans of Carlisle and Workington helping to spread their message.

The 40-year-old was a popular midfielder for both Blues and Reds, having come through the youth system at United with a host of fellow Cumbrians including close pal Rory Delap.

On the gofundme page, entitled 'Creating Hoppy Memories', the Hoppers have written: "The diagnosis has come as a huge shock to everyone around us and the support we have had from everyone has been amazing.

"Tony is a loving husband and proud daddy to three beautiful (and boisterous ) boys aged 4, 7 and 9 years old.

"Tony is well known in football circles as he was a professional footballer playing for Carlisle United from 1992-2002 and then Workington Reds 2002-2012.

"The aim of this page is to raise enough money to fill the next two years with enough memories to last a lifetime for our boys. If we raise the target we can afford to go to Disney Land!

"We plan to spend each and every penny on experiences, so by contributing to this fund, you are creating fun and adventure, you can even offer suggestions on what you have done that was unforgettable.

"We don’t have a specific “Bucket list”, we are keeping an open mind and plan to be spontaneous, which will be super exciting for the kids.

"Your support is invaluable and your contribution matters…………thankyou so much."

Among those donating are Hopper's former Carlisle team-mate Paul Boertien, who wrote: "Hope you all make many happy memories, a legend of a teammate and a legend of a guy. Love Paul, Lisa and the boys xx."

The Hoppers say they are also planning separate fundraising activities for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

To donate, visit the family's Go Fund Me page here .