A FUNDRAISER to help a much-loved community champion who fell ill during Radcliffe Carnival has collected almost £700 in its first week.

Andrew Clarkson, the carnival committee's chairman, suffered a heart attack on Saturday, June 4, and friends quickly launched an online donations page to support him through his recovery.

The 60-year-old has been moved to Wythenshawe Hospital and has been due to undergo a heart operation this week.

Cllr Rhyse Cathcart, who set up the fundraiser, said: "We are now up to around £700, after the Rotary Club organised a collection among their members and raised £165. The Rotary Club plays a big part in the carnival and it was very generous of them to donate.

"People have been going to visit Andrew and I know he has been inundated with wellwishers.

"But we still need to keep the fundraising going for him, because his recovery is going to take some time.

"He is going to need a lot of support in the first few months out of hospital.

"We have now got more than enough to pay a month's rent for him, which is good news."

Fundraising campaign to help Andrew Clarkson who suffered heart attack during Radcliffe Carnival weekend

Mr Clarkson, who has also served as president of the Radcliffe and Whitefield Lions branch, is a self-employed driving instructor and may be unable to work for several months.

The money raised through the fundraiser will go towards rent and living costs for him and his sister, Gillian, and to help pay for renovations to their home.

Cllr Cathcart added: "Andrew said that he wasn't expecting people to act so kindly, but he really appreciates any help he can get.

"He accepts that he does need some support and is very grateful to everyone who has been able to help so far.

"I'm pleased that the momentum has kept going after the first few days of fundraising. People obviously want to stay up to date with how Andrew is getting on and we will try to keep everyone up to date on his progress."

To donate to the campaign, visit gofundme.com/283jmbuc