OVER £2,000 has been raised to help the family of a West Fife dad who lost his battle with cancer last week at the age of 39.

Francis Downs, known as Haggis, died last Tuesday at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and his funeral will take place at Culross Abbey on Wednesday, November 8.

Since his death, a fundraiser set up by the committee of Oakley United's under 16s team – who Haggis' son Lewis plays in goal for – has collected £2,010 thanks to donations and sponsorship for going Sober for October.

Dunfermline Press:

The money will be used to help Lewis, his sister Eilidh and step brother Harris make memories together.

Committee member Steph Clelland said they wanted to help the family.

"Haggis has been involved for a long long time in football. He was such a well loved guy," she said. "His love for football was massive. He loved nothing more than watching Lewis and his stepson Harris playing."

Dunfermline Press:

Haggis' family have said they have been overwhelmed with the response from the club.

"He was such a well loved guy and his love for football was massive, from playing, to watch, supporting to even coaching at one point," they said.

"He loved nothing more than watching Lewis and Harris playing, so the generosity that Oakley 08’s have shown, alongside other local football teams and the whole community, for the kids and his family is overwhelming.

"He will forever be in our hearts. His strength, courage and positivity these past six months was an inspiration to us all. He was everybody’s friend."

Haggis was a beloved partner of Joanne, much loved dad to Lewis, Eilidh and step-dad to Harris, dearly loved son of Franci and Sandra, brother to Lorraine and uncle to Morgan and Skye.

Anyone wanting to donate to the fundraiser can do so by visiting here.