A club of supporters for a North East football team have created a fundraiser after one of its players was rushed to hospital following a bleed on their brain.

Paddy Almond was rushed to a London hospital with a bleed on the brain last night after suffering a suspected concussion during Saturday (January 14) afternoon’s FA Trophy defeat at Southend United.

The referee spoke with the Quakers defender around five minutes prior to his departure from the field, and in the wake of his substitution, he was taken to a hospital in Southend for a brain scan.

That scan revealed a bleed on the brain, and he was subsequently transferred to a specialist unit in London.

Read more: Paddy Almond: latest on Darlington footballer after bleed on the brain

Following his second brain scan, specialists have decided to keep Paddy under observation before they make a decision on whether to operate.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Happily, his condition hasn't deteriorated, and appears to be stabilising. He is sat up in his bed, eating food and chatting with his family.”

Now, supporters and fans have launched a fundraiser for the Darlington footballer to help out with out-of-pocket expenses for Mr Almond and his family.

The fundraiser currently has a goal of £4,500 and has so far reached £3,680 already.

Mr Almond's family have thanked people for their support and messages of goodwill after the incident.

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A spokesperson for Darlington Football Club said: “Paddy and his family are very grateful for all the messages of goodwill from throughout the world of football, and as a club we have been most touched by all the support for him.

“The football world has truly come together, rivalries have been set aside.

“Our physio Danny O'Connor - one of several people to whom everybody is grateful - is now back home in the North East and keeping in touch with Paddy and his family.

“We will keep everybody updated.”