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Former Aston Villa favourite Shaun Teale is spearheading a £10,000 fundraising drive to help a dying dad who used to cheer him on from the terraces.

The popular ex-defender has launched an online initiative to support lifelong Villa fan Andy Steward – and hopes to win the backing of his 12,000 Twitter followers.

The 36-year-old was diagnosed with adrenal cancer in 2011 and was told his condition was terminal three years ago.

Now Teale wants to boost Andy’s finances to help his wife Christine and son Hayden, aged six, in the future.

The ex-pro, part of the Villa squad that finished second in the first Premier League season of 1992/93, made contact via Midland charity Balls to Cancer.

Two more former Villa stars, Brian Little and Ian Taylor, also visited Andy at the Stafford hospice where he is being cared for.

“Andy is a fighter,” said Teale.

“We spent a couple of hours talking and I realised we have something in common.

“I used my fighting abilities to become successful in football and Andy used his to have as long as possible with his Christine and his Hayden.”

Andy was a teenager when he watched Teale’s Villa side, which won the League Cup at Wembley in 1994.

Teale, now 51, added: “We spoke about my old games, which Andy came to see when he was 16.

“He spent all that time watching and supporting me that I thought that it was a way to give something back.

“It is such a sad and touching story.

“Andy is not well at the moment but I think he is holding on as he is worried about the financial situation with his family.

“At this point I think he would have a sense of peace to know his family were going to be OK financially.

“It would be fabulous if we could get them £10,000.

“I have 12,000 Twitter followers and I thought if everyone gives £1 then we would be done.”

To donate to Teale’s fundriaing page, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/shaun-teale-1