A FOOTBALL-mad eight-year-old has raised thousands for his best friend who has brain cancer.

With help from his mum, little Mack Allan organised a football tournament which saw 28 teams compete in front of a crowd of hundreds.

The event was arranged in memory of Mack’s grandad, World Cup hero Alan Ball, and was supported by Saints legends Lawrie McMenemy, Matt Le Tissier and Francis Benali.

The tournament raised more than £2,500 for the youngster’s best friend, Jack Joslin, who was last year diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a fast-growing cancerous brain tumour which can spread to elsewhere in the brain and spinal cord if left untreated.

The money will go to Jack’s Journey Trust and will be used to send Jack and his family on a holiday to remember to help his recovery and provide respite days for other sick children.

Jack’s mum Lisa, from Chandler’s Ford, said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed with the support that we have had. It’s been amazing. Jack’s had a really great day.

“I just can’t get over how many people have turned up to support the boys.”

Mack is still collecting donations for his friend. For more information or to donate, email his mum Keely at allan468@btinternet.com.