IT'S an appeal that has already caught the hearts of the Pembrokeshire public - and on New Year's Eve, Fishguard AFC will be hosting a special charity match to support cancer patient Luke Harding's fundraising for Withybush Hospital.

The 29-year-old was left stunned earlier this year when he was told he had stage four lung cancer, before an MRI in preparation for surgery revealed he also had secondary cancer in the form of brain metastasis.

But as previously reported in the Western Telegraph, Luke responded to the diagnosis by immediately launching an appeal to raise funds for the cancer ward at Withybush, and has been widely hailed as an inspiration for the way he has courageously faced his plight.

The Letterston man has already raised more than £5,500 via his Just Giving page, with another £2000 also donated in cash.

And on New year's Eve, that total will be boosted further when 'John Luke's Legends' - consisting of former Fishguard players and over 30s, take on 'Steve Lewis' Young Guns', a squad made up of under 30s from the club's current first and second team squads.

The match at Tregroes Park will kick off at 12pm, before further post-game fundraising in the Pendre Inn.

Luke, who joined Fishguard in the summer prior to his diagnosis, and who has continued to watch games and train - said he originally thought he would struggle to raise £1000 and that people's generosity had left him 'speechless'.

"It really goes to show how communities stick together and stand up through tough times," he said.

"I'm hoping now to get as close to £10,000 as I can - and it's touching that the football community want to help and show solidarity.

"I've known a lot of the Fishguard players since I was a young age and have grown up with them. I think football gets a lot of bad press at times so it's nice to see something like this happen."

Luke added he also wanted to issue thanks to his former club Solva AFC, who raised around £700 earlier this month by holding a charity head shave evening in the Royal George pub.

The idea for the game on New Year's Eve came from Fishguard's second team manager Gareth Thomas, and the club issued the following statement to Telegraph Sport.

"Luke joined the club at the start of the season and has made a huge impression on all the players and coaches.

"His positive attitude and commitment to come and watch the games in all weather has been inspirational.

"On the day (New Year's Eve) there will be a bucket collection and we hope people will come and watch a fun game and support this worthwhile cause. After the game, there will be food and a number of traditional pub games for people to take part in at the Pendre Inn."