£4,000 raised for fan, 6, who sent heartwarming note and 26p to favourite player

Football fans have raised a whopping £4,000 for a six-year-old who sent heartwarming note and 26p to his favourite player.

"Joe," a Swindon Town supporter, sent a letter to the Robins to laud star Harry McKirdy and sadly revealed that his mum cannot afford to bring him to matches.

An outpouring of goodwill from the football community came after the Swindon shared the letter on Tuesday evening with the hope of locating Joe, explaining they wanted to get in touch but had no return address.

In under 24 hours, more than 350 fans of clubs including Liverpool and Manchester City donated up to £50 each to a JustGiving fundraising page, with supporters hoping he can use the cash to watch his beloved League Two side in action.

The crowdfund has reached as far as the United States, with Scott Allinson posting along with his £20 donation: "Read the story and feel so bad for the boy.

"Hoping you find him and he gets a chance for a great day out at Swindon Town FC. From a Middlesbrough fan in Houston, Texas USA

Nine-year-old Liverpool fan Niamh Denehan gave Joe £5 of her pocket money, writing: "Hope you play for your favourite team some day."

Lyn Sutherland gave £10 and added: "Hope you have the best day Joe when you get to watch your team play.

"Your mummy has brought you up very well, proof that love and affection is what matters."

Ross Turner, who gave £50, then claimed Joe's note melted his heart, going on to say: "It's during times like this that makes football so special. What a lovely lad."

The letter in question read: "Mummy doesn't have any money to come to Swindon games because she has no money for food and has to pay for my dinner at school.

"I like Swindon Town Harry McKirdy. I will come one day. Joe Aged 6 ½."

The fundraising page was set up by Mark Bevan and their header reads: "Swindon Town FC have been contacted by a young boy called Joe who unfortunately doesn't have the privileges of being able to attend football matches!

"This is where football comes together.

"Let's all get together and fund for Joe & his family to attend a game & for Joe to be mascot for the day giving him an experience for life!"

Following the kind response to Joe's letter, Swindon announced that they would be partnering with independent supporters group Great Western Reds and the Swindon Food Collective to set up a food bank donation point at their stadium - the County Ground - and support the "great local charity."

The fundraiser is not associated with the Wiltshire club.