A SIGNED Runcorn Linnets shirt starred in an auction of sports memorabilia at a high-profile charity fundraising event on Merseyside.

The shirt was donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust after an approach by Linnets supporter Dan Clay, whose fiancee's nephew has the condition.

Dan's fiancée works with the wife of Linnets assistant manager Stuart Humphreys, who was only too pleased to arrange the donation of the shirt when he heard about two-year-old Layton.

The shirt went under the hammer alongside a variety of autographed sporting merchandise at Saturday's function at the Silvestrian Club in Liverpool and raised £100 towards the £7,500 proceeds from the night.

Dan, who regularly attends games at the Millbank Linnets Stadium with brother Olie, said: "When I heard about the event, I'd hoped to ensure the Linnets were represented. Assistant Manager, Stuart Humphreys arranged for the signed shirt to be provided for the event and I'd like to say a massive thank-you to him and all the players and staff.

"Highlights were seeing Kevin Towey had signed his name as 'Super Kevin Towey', as well as Athers (Matthew Atherton), Mucker (Kyle Hamid) and the mighty Rubz (goalkeeper Andy Robertson)."

The shirt took its place alongside signed Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher shirts, Tony Bellew boxing gloves and an Everton team football.

Dan added: "Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening inherited disease, affecting over 10,000 people in the UK. You can't catch or develop cystic fibrosis, it's something you're born with and most cases in the UK are now diagnosed soon after birth.

"Layton is a little fighter and not only has battled against the condition but also a stroke he suffered last year as a result of the chicken pox virus. I'm really proud of the club helping with this event. People were asking me about the top and I was pleased to be able to gab with them about the Linnets, especially at the moment when we're flying high."

For information on the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, please visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk

Meanwhile, Runcorn Linnets are still selling tickets for a club raffle being held in association with town centre business Runcorn Framers, in aid of the Linnets' official 2014 charity Cavendish School.

The prize is also a club shirt, professionally framed and signed by the 2013-14 first-team squad.

Tickets are £1 for a strip of five. The draw will be made at the club presentation evening in May.

Cavendish School in Lincoln Close, Runcorn, caters for 11-19 year olds with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties, including those with autistic spectrum disorder.