The family of former Burnley captain John Pender has thanked everyone for their generosity after smashing their fundraising target.

John's daughter Lauren Pender set up a JustGiving page with a £10,000 goal after the family announced publicly that the he was suffering with motor neurone disease.

The fundraiser, which will help buy a neuro power wheelchair for John to grant him independence, has raised over £12,000 from 300 supporters.

In a statement to the Lancashire Telegraph, John, Denise and the family said: "We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has donated, all the kind messages mean the world to John and the family and we have all been really moved by them.

"The help you have given will enable John to get a neuro power wheelchair. This will give him more freedom to get out and about in comfort and some independence at home.

"With your huge generosity we can also look at other equipment for around the house to make his quality of life better and some of the funds will be used for his future care.

"Again we can not thank you all enough."

John was diagnosed with the disease two years ago and has now become fully reliant on his wife for all his needs and is wheelchair bound.

Pender captained the Burnley football team between 1990-1994 and was also known as ‘Captain Fantastic’ and was captain during the clubs Wembley win.

He twice brought Burnley to promotion in the 1990s and made over 170 appearances at the club.

As well as the family fundraiser, other events are being held to help John, with the Burnley Former Players Association (FPA) having arranged the 30th Anniversary of 91/92 fourth division champions on the 30th April 2022; with all proceeds to go to the former captain.

You can still donate to the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/n-pender