FOOTBALLERS came off the pitch and onto the catwalk to raise thousands for people who have suffered a stroke.

Eastleigh Football Club’s first team took their kit off for a charity fashion show to help create a special new room at Southampton General Hospital’s Hyperacute stroke unit which will be used by families of people being treated at the ward.

A thrilled audience watched as strikers Yemi Odubade and Tony Lee strutted their stuff wearing just underpants.

Now the Spitfires have handed over a cheque for more than £2,000 towards the ward’s £10,000 fundraising appeal.

And they have vowed to keep raising cash for the new family room.

In June head of youth development and former player Lee Peacock will get on his bike for a charity cycle in a bid to pedal up more money.

It comes after the club’s vice chairman Allen Prebble chose to support the cause in memory of his mum Ellen, who suffered a stroke and was cared for at the unit before her death in 2012.

A spokeswoman from the football club said: “The directors of Eastleigh Football Club are proud to support our local stroke unit at Southampton General Hospital.”

Suzie Simmons, fundraising manager for Southampton Hospital Charity comments: “We are very grateful to Eastleigh Football Club for their generous donation, and can’t wait to work with them again in the future.

"Their donation will go towards putting a relatives room into the F8 stroke unit to provide a quiet area where families can get away from the hustle and hustle of the ward.”

For more information or to help the Spitfires raise more cash call 023 8061 3361.