A Bradford Bulls fan is taking on the ultimate challenge by wearing the rugby shirt worn by his sworn rivals Leeds Rhinos in a bid to raise cash for a seriously ill friend.

Tony Bates is preparing for a bucketload of abuse when he dons the Leeds Rhinos shirt for the Bulls match against Hull FC on Saturday.

But it is all for a good cause, because he hopes to raise £1,000 for the Ummah Welfare Charity, a cause close to his seriously ill friend, Tehseen Khan’s heart.

Mr Khan, of Clayton Heights , Bradford, was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year.

The 31-year-olds, both fathers to three children, became good friends when they met at the Bradford Primary Care Trust’s headquarters in Douglas Mill. Mr Bates is a nurse while Mr Khan worked in the patient record department.

Mr Bates, of Silsden , said: ‘During Sport Relief, Danny Baker on Radio 5 started a challenge called Shirt of Hurt where sports fans wear the shirt of their team’s main rival to some form of public event.

“Anyone who knows me will be aware that I am a massive Bradford Bulls fan.At the last home game of the season I will be there wearing a Rhinos shirt, so please give generously because I may never feel clean again.”

Mr Bates said his friend thought his fundraising idea was a bit silly.

“I have worked with Tehseen for more than four years,” he added. “He started to ring in sick at Easter with headaches and he was diagnosed with the tumour.

“He is really well-know in the local health community and in and around his local mosque. We wanted to do something to help and Tehseen chose this charity. The charity he has chosen works with deprived communities in Southern Asia and Africa.

“I have raised £570 so far and some people I work with expect to donate.

“Tehseen thinks I’m being silly, but is behind me and lots of his friends and family have donated. He has had good days and bad, but his recovery has been remarkable.

“Recently, after a long succession of very positive news regarding his condition, he has suffered another setback, with the development of a second tumour.

“This has been hard news to take for Tehseen, his family and friends, but with God still at his side we all hope he can bounce back again.”

To sponsor Mr Bates, visit justgiving.com/tonybates80.