NORTHWICH Victoria FC are calling for support to help raise awareness and funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

For every fan that attends this Wednesday's home game against Bury AFC, kick-off 7.45pm at the U Lock It Stadium in Wincham, the club will donate £1 to the charity – and there will be a bucket collection on the night too.

The MNDA is Vics' chosen charity of the year, a move prompted by the club finding out that their former player George Melling had been diagnosed with MND and subsequently died from the disease in April.

Mike Wain, the club's commercial manager, said: “Working in Partnership with MNDA was a very easy choice for us after the terrible news surrounding George Melling.

"As a football club we are very determined to concentrate on not only the playing side of things but also how we support the local and surrounding community.

"Northwich Victoria FC is a huge name in non-league football and it is our absolute privilege to work with MNDA in the fight to raise awareness and hopefully eradicate this terrible disease.

"We hope as many people as possible will attend the match on Wednesday evening, even if you are not a football fanatic or a Trickie and help us raise some much needed funds."

All at the North West Counties Premier Division Club wanted to show solidarity with all people affected by the illness and raise funds for the Cheshire branch of MNDA.

Richard Shackelford, of the MND Association, said: "We are so grateful to Northwich Vics for their support this year.

"We rely almost entirely on the goodwill and generosity of the public for our funding and partnerships like this one are important to us for raising awareness of MND and the affect it has on family and friends."

The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND.

The money raised at the game will help the charity continue its work.

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease which affects the brain and spinal cord.

It attacks the nerves that control movement and eventually leaves people unable to move, communicate or breathe.

It kills a third of people within a year of diagnosis and half within two years.

There is no cure at this time.

For more information about MND and the MND Association visit mndassociation.org