A fundraising footballers’ reunion is being organised for former Carlisle United player Tony Hopper following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease.

The 40-year-old father of three – a hugely popular figure in Cumbrian football – had a successful playing career with both United and Workington Reds and as a youngster played for amateur Carlisle club Northbank.

Along with his wife Sue and three sons, the family are determined – despite the illness – to create happy memories for their children.

An online fundraising campaign to help make that happen has already raised nearly £25,000.

Now Tony’s many friends from Northbank have come up with their own uniquely appropriate fundraiser – with more than a little help from the Linton Holme pub in Lindisfarne Street, Carlisle.

Landlady Lorraine Nixon has teamed up with Tony’s friend Kenny Brown, who has had a 17-year involvement with Northbank.

They have put out an appeal to current and former Northbank players to join them in a fundraising extravaganza, which will feature a mini-tournament in Harraby followed by an auction and buffet at the pub, rounded off with live music.

Kenny said: “We’re appealing to all Northbank players going back to when the club got started in 1970.

“There’ll be a mini tournament on the 3G pitch at Harraby followed by the auction and buffet at the pub.

“I’ve known Tony since he was three or four years old when I used to work at the Strand Road sports centre in Carlisle.

“He’s one of the nicest lads you could ever meet.

“He’s never changed from the day I first met him.

“He will get unbelievable support from everyone. He’s a Carlisle lad, well known and well respected.”

Lorraine said: “Everybody here knows Tony and we’re all devastated by the news of his illness.

“He’s such a down-to-earth, great character. Raising money is the best thing that we can do, and everybody’s keen.”

Anybody who wishes to donate a prize for the fundraising auction, which will be held at the pub on June 17, should take it to the pub.

The event will be rounded off with music from the duo Palm Springs.

In a statement, Lorraine described the event as “a great cause for a lovely man.”

Tony – whose father was also a Carlisle United player – has himself spoken of how touched he has been by support shown to his family.

Now living in Brampton, he said the family are still trying to come to terms with his life-limiting illness.