THE sporting future of a disabled powerchair footballer from Ainsworth has been saved by a Manchester music mogul.

Melissa Allan, aged 21, feared time might be called on her time on the pitch because she couldn’t afford the necessary wheelchair upgrade.

But less than 24 hours after a You Tube appeal, Sacha Lord – the man behind the Parklife music festival and the Warehouse Project club nights – offered to pay the full £4,000.

“I can’t believe how generous he has been, we’re all extremely touched,” said Melissa’s mum, Lindsey.

Melissa, who has cerebral palsy and is a full-time wheelchair user, has played for Bolton Panthers in the national league, and Bolton Bullet’s Rockets in the local league, for the past six years.

“As well as getting a lot of enjoyment from playing football, it has helped Melissa’s confidence and social skills, said Mrs Allan.

New regulations meant that she needed a wheelchair upgrade to continue playing competitively. But Melissa, who is studying sport at Bolton College, and her family could not afford the £4,000 needed.

“We were really worried that she would be forced to give up something she loves and that means so much to her,” said Mrs Allan.

Melissa, of Newquay Avenue, was a school friend of brave Bury youngster Joshua Wilson, whose battle with a brain stem tumour inspired his parents to establish The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity to help other families living with childhood brain tumours and post-surgery disabilities.

“Although the charity couldn’t help us financially, they very kindly offered to post our appeal on their website on Sunday,” said Mrs Allan.

That was how Mr Lord, a leading patron of The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, came to hear of Melissa’s plight.

“I saw the You Tube post while I was having a cup of tea early on Monday morning and it really pricked my interest,” explained Mr Lord.

“I thought it was crazy that someone so passionate could be prevented from doing the thing they love.”

He added: “I’m very fortunate to be in a position where I can help.”

Melissa and her family are now looking forward to meeting Mr Lord in the near future to thank him in person.

“We are so grateful to him, and the Joshua Wilson Tumour Charity,” said Mrs Allan. “We’re chuffed to bits.”