FOOTBALL fanatic Michael Farrow has hit on an idea which could save more lives than goals.

The Penwortham teenager and his soccer-mad mates are helping him raise money for a charity close to Michael's heart.

Aged just 14, Michael, of Margaret Road, has set up and manages a football team called the Ribble Rangers for 13 to 15-year-olds.

He was inspired to set up the team to raise money for a little-known organisation called the Marfan Association, which helped him deal with the symptoms of Marfan Syndrome - a condition which alters the sufferers' eyesight, heartbeat and blood pressure levels.

The team are sponsored for each game and Michael has already persuaded Co-op United Northwest to donate £150.

The team, which played at Middleforth CE Primary School last weekend, hopes to join a local league and needs money to buy kit and equipment.

Blackburn Rovers FC have also donated a signed football to raffle off.

Michael, who attends Hutton Grammar School, said: "My mother died two years ago from Marfan Syndrome so I feel I should carry on her fund-raising work.

"Marfan is a life-threatening illness."

The confident youngster, who is a Preston North End season ticket holder, added: "Organising the football team makes me tired. But if I can raise awareness and money to help other sufferers, it will be worthwhile." If you can help Michael in any way call the Citizen newsdesk on 255522.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.