More than £6,000 has been raised to pay for the funeral of an "active, happy young man" from the Fens.

Nikita Krejere passed away at the weekend, just several days after a collapse which irreversibly changed his brain. 

The March Town Football Club Under 13 player's mum, Jevgenija, said: "I never expected I would beg for help. 

"But grief came to our family and our life has now been changed forever.. 

A GoFundMe page was then set up with a £5,000 target - however £4,000 was raised in just 24 hours with more than 200 donations.

Jevgenija added: "He used to be an active, happy young man. 

"He loved to play football, and he had huge plans for his life.

"We now need to prepare for a funeral and to give him the best possible send-off. 

"If anyone would like to support our family during this difficult time, we would appreciate it very much."

Posting on their Facebook page, March Town Football Club said: “Following the deeply sad news about our U13 player Nikita, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and provide any necessary support to his family during this heartbreaking period.

“If you would like to contribute, please visit the Gofundme page. Any amount, no matter how small, will make a significant difference and is greatly appreciated.

“Thank you for your kindness and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nikita and his family.”

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/please-donate-in-the-memory-of-nikita