BOLTON Wanderers star Gary Speed has donated a signed football shirt to help raise funds for a desperately ill youngster.

Connah Broom, aged five, is from North Wales, where Gary was born. Connah has been diagnosed with the rare form of cancer, neuroblastoma, and his family are trying to raise the £600,000 needed to send him to America for treatment.

North Wales firefighters, who used to work with Gary's father, contacted the footballer to see if he could help.

Firefighter Phil Howey said: "I worked with Gary Speed's father while Gary was playing for Everton some eight years ago, prior to his retirement from the service.

"I decided to contact Gary to ask for his help and within a few days he had sent his best wishes and a signed club shirt that had been autographed by the players and the management."

Gary has just been appointed as player coach at Bolton Wanderers to work alongside new manager, Sammy Lee.

The shirt he donated will now be auctioned to raise funds for Connah's appeal.

The youngster's grandparents, Debbie and Jim Broom have already put their house up for sale to help raise vital funds.

To follow Connah's progress visit www.connahsappeal.co.uk