When Pools saw an article on 12-year-old Aaron Donnison and his impressive fund-raising activities last week, the Club were so impressed they wanted to help out.

Aaron recently raised £160 through a sponsored six-mile run to raise money for the Dying Wish Fund at the University Hospital in Hartlepool.

The lively youngster was spurred into action when his mum Diane's friend (Kay Smith) died of breast cancer in 2006 - and the Manor College pupil has been determined to raise money ever since.

When Pools saw the extent of Aaron's dedication, they were keen to help out and offered to match the £160 raised,

"Breast Cancer is a cause which needs massive awareness raising about it and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be through football," Chief Executive Russ Green explained.

"For Aaron to go out and do something off his own back and at his age to try and make people more aware, is just fantastic.

"At a time when the youth of today are criticised so regularly in the press, I think it is important that things like this are recognised.

"It is an issue close to his own heart and it is a massive issue for a lot of people at this time - it seems everybody knows someone who has been affected.

"We are just delighted to be able to help out and support Aaron's fund-raising efforts and hopefully encourage him to keep on going."

Aaron was also presented with a signed Pools football and him and his parents Diane and Kevin were given a tour of the ground by Chief Executive Russ Green.