Carlisle United star Rhys Bennett smashed his fundraising target by more than SEVEN times after a 12-hour streaming marathon.

The Blues defender spent half a day interacting with fans online as part of an initiative to raise money for mental health charity Mind.

Bennett had set an initial target of £500 - but ended up raising £3,625.

The 29-year-old paid tribute to everyone who took part and helped.

Writing on Twitter, Bennett said: "We Raised £3625 for @MindCharity in 12 hours of streaming!!! It's an incredible thing to be a part of and i just want to say thankyou!

"@officialcufc fans staff and players I just want to thank you all for the support it was truly humbling! 

"For every person that supported by being there, gifting or just promoting the stream all I can say is Thankyou, we have the best community and it truly feels like a family."

Bennett was helped on the way by some of his United team-mates and boss Chris Beech, who donated items which were then offered in prize draws to anyone who donated.

Players such as Omari Patrick, Callum Guy, Paul Farman, Nick Anderton, George Tanner, new signing Cedwyn Scott and Bennett himself donated signed boots, shirts and gloves.

Beech offered a training top, while another prize offered by director of football David Holdsworth was the first home shirt for the 2021/22 season produced by Errea.

Bennett spent from 10am to 10pm interacting with supporters and playing online games.

He also hosted a quiz - while United also allowed the centre-half to break the news of the day's two signings.

He donned a suit and, in Sky Sports News style, announced the club's deals for Scott and Morgan Feeney.

Head coach Beech also joined in late in the stream and told Bennett: “It’s all been for a great cause and that makes it even better that you’ve done this.

"To raise that amount of money from 12 hours of effort is incredible.”

Holdsworth said the club were proud of Bennett and added on the club website: “Rhys should be proud of himself, we’re certainly proud of him, and we can see from the reaction on social media that the fans are proud to have him as one of their own."

The stream attracted 3,820 viewers in total, with 216 people on average viewing it at one time.

Bennett is keeping the donation page open until tomorrow: https://streamlabs.com/rhysbeno91