The mother of a four-year-old girl fighting a rare form of cancer has thanked Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean for his generous support.

McClean may frequently find himself in trouble for on-pitch antics, but he has proven time and time again that he has a heart of gold off the field.

The most recent beneficiary of his kindness is Derry girl Darragh McCleary, who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in February 2016.

She is currently receiving chemotherapy in Belfast and has been accepted to undergo specialist proton therapy in Florida.

There are huge costs involved with the treatment and family and friends have been raising money for the journey.

When Derry native McClean heard about Darragh, he donated £1000 to the fundraising drive.

“I received a message to say James was trying to get in contact with me,” Darragh’s mum Sharon told the Derry Journal.

“Then I received a text from James himself saying he was sorry to hear about Darragh and that he would like to donate the money and a signed jersey.”

The McCleary family were hugely appreciative of the footballer’s kindness and generosity.

“I thanked him and he said he was glad he could help and that he would keep Darragh in his prayers.

“I was shocked at first, then really overwhelmed that he offered to do such a great thing.”

Sharon added: “James is an absolute gentleman and I will be forever grateful to him and everybody else that has helped us along the way, the support has been amazing. I can’t thank everybody enough.”

If you would like to help Darragh you can donate here.