OVER £4,000 has been raised to help a former Bradford City player gain surgery for his knee after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

Paddy Lacey came to City at 18 on a one-year deal from Sheffield Wednesday for the 2011-12 League Two season but was unable to gain a single appearance.

The midfielder has since played for the likes of Accrington Stanley and Barrow before landing at National League North club Chester at the start of this season, playing for free given the ongoing pandemic.

Whilst turning over as a professional boxer, Lacey began his Blues career well until he suffered the damaging injury at AFC Telford United on Boxing Day.

It means not only will the 27-year-old be out of sport for a lengthy period but his ability to work has also been affected in what are already challenging times.

Neither Chester or any insurance company can cover the cost of the operation or his loss of earnings.

Therefore, it is fantastic to see the football community come together to donate £4,085 so the required surgery can take place.