A CHARITY football match inspired by a Runcorn mum battling a brain tumour has been hailed a huge success.

Karan Waller, aged 36, her husband, Ian, aged 37, and their daughters, Harriet, aged five, and Charly, aged seven, watched comic John Bishop and ex-professionals take on a team of former Linnets players at Runcorn’s Millbank Stadium on Sunday.

They raised £6,200 for the Astro fund which provides emotional and practical support to Karen and funds vital research.

Around 700 spectators watched the game and many supported a charity auction of sporting memorabilia afterwards.

Organiser Chris Collings, aged 43, and friend of Karan’s family, said: “It was absolutely fantastic, a really inspirational day.

“It really lifted Karan’s spirits as she is currently going through radiotherapy.

“Enjoying a day like this with her family is something money can’t buy. Karan and Ian were absolutely gobsmacked by the number of people who turned out for them. Their two little girls had a great time.”

Karan was diagnosed with a low grade astrocytoma after collapsing at home in 2009.

Despite several surgical procedures, the growth has returned and surgeons have told her they can’t operate again.

Chris added: “We are all in awe of Karan. She is so positive. John Bishop met her and all the sponsors. He is an absolute diamond.

“He spent an hour with fans signing autographs and is very supportive of our charity.”

Players included Stewart Burton (Everton), Jon Newby (Liverpool), Frank Sinclair (Chelsea), Kenny Irons (Tranmere) joined ex Norwich Colin Woodthorpe, David Smith, Gary Braben, Liam Watson and boxer Derry Matthews.

Chris would like to thank fellow organisers Barry Taylor and David Hesketh plus sponsors ITS Technology Group, Millbank Group and Kitchens by Simon Archer.

Special thanks to all the volunteers, Runcorn Linnets and chairman Derek Greenwood and Alan Jones.

Kate Sheen, founder of the Astro brain tumour charity would like to thank everyone for their support.

Chris has raised £11,000 in the past six months and plans to climb Kilimanjaro in January.

To sponsor him, visit www.justgiving.com/nevis-kilimanjaro or text to BNKJ99 £amount to 70070