ASHTON United Football Club is appealing to the local community for donations to help their injured captain have the surgery he urgently requires.
Luke Burke suffered a season-ending injury recently in the Robins’ league match against Stockton Town.
The defender was forced off in the 58th minute of the 2-1 home defeat on February 21.
The club said in a statement afterwards: “Luke is an integral part of our team, a consistent performer on the field and, being club captain, a big influence in the dressing room. Everyone at Ashton United wishes Luke a speedy recovery.”
The Robins say Luke needs surgery at a cost of £11,000 to help him back to full fitness as soon as possible and, without it, he would face a longer spell out on the sidelines and be affected financially.
His team-mate and friend Sean Newton, who is a player-coach at Ashton United, has set up a GoFundMe page for people to donate towards the operation.
Sean wrote: “To help him get the best possible treatment and back on the pitch as soon as possible, I’m hoping that non-league fans and supporters of the clubs Luke has played for might consider donating.
“Without the operation, Luke faces a long time out of the game and, during this period, he’ll also be without income from football while being unable to do something he truly loves.
“Any donation, big or small, would mean the world and would help relieve some of the stress by going towards the cost of the operation.”
Over £3,000 has been raised so far. Donations can be made via this page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-money-towards-operation-payment
Sean wore the captain’s armband in Luke’s absence for the trip to Morpeth Town on February 28, and scored from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw at Craik Park.
Steve Cunningham’s side welcome Leek Town to Hurst Cross on Saturday (March 7) in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.