The family of a Burnley football legend are appealing for donations after John Pender's devastating motor neurone diagnosis.
Pender captained the Burnley football team between 1990-1994 and was also known as ‘Captain Fantastic’.
He twice skippered Burnley to promotion in the 1990s and made over 170 appearances at the club.
Sadly, two years ago things took a turn for the worse when he was diagnosed with a form of motor neurone disease.
John is now fully reliant on his wife for all his needs and is fully wheelchair bound. His family want to raise money in order to improve his quality of life.
His family have released a statement which read: "Today we are asking you to support ex Burnley player and ‘Captain Fantastic’, John Pender, who has regretfully been diagnosed with a life changing and debilitating illness, motor neurone disease (MND).
“Unfortunately John is now completely wheelchair bound and requires 24/7 care to undertake day-to-day tasks.
“John has an enduring love for Burnley FC and the fans, having captained them to two promotions, triumphed at Wembley and put his body on the line during his 170 appearances.
“John committed his whole life to football, in particular Burnley. So we ask that you, the Turf Moor faithful, pull together so we can transform his quality of life.
“We hope you are willing to support a fellow Claret."
Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Lauren Pender, John’s daughter, said the money raised will go towards a more comfortable wheelchair for him.
She said: “The purpose of the fundraising is to improve dad’s life with motor neurone disease.
“He needs a better wheelchair because he is wheelchair bound and the one he has now is uncomfortable and doesn’t give him a very good quality of life.
“My dad was devoted to football. He loved being a footballer so it made sense to appeal to his supporting fans.”
How to donate
Burnley Former Players Association (FPA) has arranged the 30th Anniversary of 91/92 fourth division champions which will take place on the 30th April 2022; all proceeds will go to John.
However, he needs more support now and there are ways you can donate.
The family has set up a Just Giving page and are hoping to raise £10,000 to improve John’s quality of life.
You can find the link at the following site: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/n-pender
Alternatively, you can contact Veronica Simpson on: 07974310099.
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Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...
You can follow the Lancashire Telegraph on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Lancashire Family page
If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters
Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer
Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227
Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact our newsdesk at lancsnews@nqnw.co.uk or by using our online contribution form
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