John Terry pays for young Chelsea fan's funeral Published duration 11 April 2016

image copyright Ruth Miller image caption A family friend contacted Terry on Instagram to ask if he would like to contribute to the funeral costs

Footballer John Terry has paid for the funeral of an eight-year-old Chelsea fan, who recently died from leukaemia.

The former England captain donated £1,600 to the family of Tommi Miller, who he met last year.

He told the Cambridge News he was "totally devastated" to hear he had died.

Tommi's mother Ruth Miller said she was "overwhelmed" by the gesture and is also planning to buy a "special headstone" with the money.

She said the family, who live in Thorpe Way, Cambridge, were "very proud" the footballer remembered him.

image copyright Ruth Miller image caption Tommi, who was diagnosed with leukaemia aged three, died last month after an unsuccessful attempt was made to carry out a bone marrow transplant

"When we visited the stadium, you could tell John Terry was really taken by him and his cheekiness but it was still a shock when we heard.

"Tommi obviously made a big impression on him and he was one of his favourite players so it's very special to us," she said.

Tommi, who was diagnosed with leukaemia aged three, died last month after an unsuccessful attempt was made to carry out a bone marrow transplant.

A family friend contacted Terry on Instagram to ask if he would like to contribute to the costs and he replied saying he would "love to help."

image copyright Tawney Bianca Wenman image caption John Terry replied to a family friend on Instagram to make the arrangements to pay for Tommi's funeral

When he was told it was £1,600, Terry phoned up the funeral director to arrange the payment.

He said it was a "pleasure" to meet the youngster, adding: "I'm sure his family and friends will give him the send off he deserves."

The funeral will take place on Thursday, with those attending wearing either Chelsea shirts or the Cambridge United strip.