AN ANONYMOUS cash donation of £1,000 has boosted an online fund which will allow a young dad to be buried in his beloved football team’s colours.

Sunderland FC supporter Matthew Archbank, originally of Newton Aycliffe, suffered a fatal epileptic seizure in his home last week at the age of 25.

The father-of-one was discovered last Tuesday afternoon in his flat in Darlington.

Without the means to pay for a funeral, close family friend Stacey Lea set up an online appeal to help raise funds to give him “the send off he deserves”.

In just four days the Go Fund Me page has been inundated with donations and has smashed through a £3,000 target to £3,700 - thanks to an anonymous donation of £1,000 and £500 from his work place, Magnet Kitchens in Darlington.

Ms Lea said: “I can’t believe we’ve exceeded the limit - I said yesterday to Kelly (Mr Archbank’s sister) I didn’t think we would get £500.

“It’s going to get the best send off that he really does deserve.

“It makes you feel a lot more positive that people are helping and that he really is a good lad.”

A devoted Sunderland FC fan, Mr Archbank’s funeral will be themed to show his love for the club.

Money raised by the Go Fund Me page will enable the family to purchase a Sunderland-themed coffin while mourners will be asked to wear red and white.

Last week Ms Lea paid tribute to Mr Archbank, who leaves behind his sister and mother-of-four Kelly White, mother Tracey Thompson and three-year-old daughter Mia who he “adored”.

The father and his daughter, who lives in Bishop Auckland with her mother, were described as “best friends” and spent every weekend together. Ms Lea said: “He was the most amazing lad you could ever meet in your life.

“He leaves his mark wherever he goes. Every single person who knows him knows he was the most genuine person you would ever know. There were no faults about him.”

Ms Lea, close family and friends celebrated his life together at the weekend.

Mr Archbank’s funeral is expected to take place next week but the family have not yet confirmed details.