Football clubs unite for player with brain tumour

Two women's football teams came together in support of "one of their own", a player who is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.

Roxy Thomas, 18, who plays for Torquay United Women, remains in intensive care in Bristol after a series of operations following her diagnosis in August.

Torquay faced her former club Plymouth Argyle in a Women's National League Cup fixture on Sunday. Argyle said it would donate all of the gate receipts to a fundraiser set up to support her and her family.

More than 1,000 supporters attended the game dedicated to Thomas at Home Park, which Argyle won 1-0.

Prior to kick off, players, staff and mascots from both clubs stood together in unison to show their support and a total of £2,928 was raised.

Her shirts from both Argyle and Torquay, which had her name and number on the back were held up alongside a banner.

The Torquay players also wore yellow armbands bearing her number - three.

Torquay United had previously said: "The prayers, thoughts and best wishes of everyone here at Plainmoor remain with her, her family, friends and teammates throughout this period."

It added "every penny raised" would be used to support Thomas and her family with travel costs, accommodation during hospital stays, loss of income during treatment and further medical expenses not covered by the NHS.

Before the game, the fundraiser had already raised upwards of £22,000, which included donations from the Plymouth Argyle Men's First Team squad, and Marine Academy Plymouth Ladies FC who donated £700 from ticket sales from a recent fixture against the Gulls.

The FA's director of women's football, Sue Day said the thoughts of everyone at the association was with "Roxy Thomas, her family and friends, and everyone at Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle".

"We send our best wishes and continued support to Roxy as she continues to show such strength at every step of her treatment schedule."

She added: "We would also like to recognise the efforts of everyone who has come together to support Roxy and her family, including the fundraising that has taken place from the football community and beyond.

"We hope the unity demonstrated at today's fixture provides some comfort."

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