A FORMER soldier who is suffering from cancer - and has been told he has just weeks to live - organised a charity football match to help fellow servicemen in need.

Warren Wolstencroft, 39, who lives in Blackburn, found out he was suffering from a rare form of bone and skin cancer in 2001.

He served in Bosnia and Northern Ireland as a private until 2001 and lost his right hand to cancer in 2002.

The father-of-four is currently receiving care at the East Lancashire Hospice and the cancer has spread to his brain and spine.

But he has not let it deter him from living his life to the full, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro a few years ago, and raising £3,500 for BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Servicemens’ Association) at the football event on Thursday night.

He said: “I have been raising money for the charity since I left the Army and it’s a cause that is very close to my heart.

“It has taken me six months to organise this and, to be honest, I’m scared about what happens next.

“I always thought that I would have more time to organise other events after this but that’s not going to be the case.

“This was the last one that I will ever do and I’m relieved that it has all come together.

“On Facebook, so many charity events kept on popping up, with people pledging to raise money in my name.

“I’m speechless and it’s absolutely crazy that so many people want to help.”

Ex-Blackburn Rovers professionals Colin Hendry and Mark Patterson took to the field at Ewood Park as part of the event which saw more than 100 people turn up to support.

After the events in Woolwich on Wednesday, there was a one-minute silence and a parade of the Union flag before the start of play.

Warren’s wife Michelle, 39, supported him alongside his four daughters, Shelby, 18, Phoebe, 12, Bethany, 10 and Darcy, two.

Michelle said: “He’s a wonderful husband, brilliant daddy and someone who should never be forgotten.

“He’s a star and should be admired for all the charity work he has done over the years during a horrible time for him.”