Paul Simpson says everyone at Carlisle United is behind a young Blues fan who is battling cancer.

Jack Musgrave, 15, is about to undergo six months of treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma.

A fundraiser to help the family of the huge United supporter has already seen a big response.

Carlisle players have also reached out to the football-mad teenager – and Blues manager Simpson says United wish Jack, from Penrith, strength for the fight ahead.

“It’s a horrible situation for any family to be involved in,” said Simpson, "[although] it’s amazing the treatment they can do.

“It’s amazing the diagnosis they get, the early stages they can get it, and the treatment now has gone through the roof.

“But everybody at the football club wishes him all the best, and hopefully he gets the treatment and speedy recovery then he’s back supporting us sooner rather than later.”

United’s captain Paul Huntington and goalkeeper Gabe Breeze visited Jack at a training session with his junior club Calthwaite this week.

They brought the 15-year-old a signed ball and goalkeeping gloves signed by United’s three keepers, while Huntington gave Jack the shorts he wore at Wembley in May’s League Two play-off final.

Also given to the teenager was a signed match-worn shirt from Jon Mellish.

Jack’s mum, Linda Hebson, says their attitude is that the cancer is getting “Mellished” in the no-nonsense style of the popular defender.

Simpson, who in 2021 had treatment for renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, added: “It’s amazing what strength you do get when you’re in that situation.

“I’m quite sure all of the medical people will be being positive with him.

“I just hope everything goes to plan for him and he gets a really good recovery.”

The JustGiving page, to help Jack’s family with the cost of travel and accommodation to be with the teenager during his treatment at Newcastle Royal Infirmary, has already raised nearly £6,000.

Linda says any leftover funds will be split between the Children’s Cancer Ward at the Newcastle RVI and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

To donate, click HERE