Keiron Cunningham and Sean Long could turn out for Tony Barrow's testimonial

The 43-year-old from Thatto Heath, the son of Tony Barrow senior who played for Saints during the 60s, is fighting an aggressive form of the disease after doctors found a brain tumour. Friends and family have quickly rallied round to raise funds for any treatment the father-of-two will have to undergo.

Long time friend Terry Moran has helped organise the game alongside Keiron’s brother Steve and Martin Ford. It will see his former team mates take on the ‘Thatto Heath Masters’ and has already attracted a long list of former players including Gary Connolly, Bobbie Goulding, Mick Cassidy and Andy Craig.

Terry explained: “I’ve known Tony since we both turned out for the under 15s and 16s at Thatto Heath and he went on to play for Oldham and Swinton. We are hoping that a lot of people will turn out on the day.

“The list of players that said they will turn up is a mark of respect that people have for him. They all want to offer their support.”

A hugely popular figure across the town, Tony also lined up alongside Steve Prescott for a number of his challenges including the Race to the Grand Final in 2012. He has two daughters Megan, 18 and Lucy, 15 and a partner Ann Marie, 32.

Tony is employed as a senior childcare worker and runs his own personal training business Tony Barrow Fitness.

A fundraising dinner and auction is also due to be held at Langtree Park on Sunday, July 12 and has already sold out.

Terry added: “You never expect to hear something like this from someone so fit. But Tony is a fighter and the more things we can do to help, the better.”

The match is due to take place at Thatto Heath Crusaders home on Close Street on Saturday, July 4 starting around 2pm and is expected to draw a large crowd.

There are also Facebook and Twitter pages dedicated to the Tony Barrow Testimonial where the latest information and updates will be posted.