Footballers and fans are fundraising to send a man with a rare condition to Barcelona to make his dreams come true.

Terry Foskett, manager of NCFootball is spearheading a new fundraising initiative to send his brother, Tony, to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid at Camp Nou, Barcelona.

Tony was diagnosed with Friedrich's Ataxia, an illness that attacks the central nervous system, as a child and at 14, he became wheelchair-bound and struggled with the physical demands of his conditions.

At 27, Tony was told the illness is now attacking his heart, and he is now in the first stages of heart failure, making his chances of going to Barcelona and seeing his idol Lionel Messi play in a match, far slimmer.

Terry's fundraising plans include football matches, cake sales and a sponsored drive to 20 matches around the UK, and they have already smashed their fundraising target.

Terry said: "To see so many people supporting and donating to this cause for Tony has been overwhelming.

"I have been by his side for my entire life supporting him but to see people who had never met Tony before we started this fundraising event supporting him and NCFootball is truly amazing."

People from all over the country have become involved, including the sponsored drivers who are four ladies in Leeds.

The sponsored drive will end with Wembley, the penultimate stadium, before Tony takes a baton of a custom football scarf to Camp Nou to complete the 20 visits.

Terry continued: "We have a great network of people within our little football community who are showing us continuous support with this and our family and friends have always pulled together to try and provide opportunities for Tony despite the physical implications of his condition.

"We feel these events have only just began and we are excited for Tony.

"We have had many brotherly conversations and Tony has always wanted to help raise money for Ataxia (UK) and children who are suffering with the disease."

Half of the money raised is going to Ataxia UK, with the rest going towards Tony's Barcelona fund.