FOOTBALLING stars have shown their support to Crewe Alex Academy goalkeeper Ashton Hulme after the youngster underwent major surgery in his battle against bone cancer.

Ashton, 12, is recovering after he had a leg amputated last week as part of his treatment for osteosarcoma.

At the weekend legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tweeted his support for the youngster via retired referee Mark Halsey's twitter account.

And last night England under-21 players wore t-shirts emblazoned with Ashton's name during the warm-up for their European Championships qualifier in Portugal.

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts for Ashton and his family have been stepped up locally, including a Bake-off challenge organised by a Nantwich cafe and a 35-mile run which is being completed by Crewe Alex Academy coaching staff.

Of the Young Lions' gesture last night Ashton's mother, Vicky Hulme, said on social media: 'We've got you Ash' this has made Ashton's day. Thank you so much for this amazing show of support, this is something he will always remember.

"You have made a little boy very happy today. Lots of smiles here."

Wenger told the young footballer in a video message: "Hi Ashton, I know you love football and cricket. I wish you a very speedy recovery and I trust your strengths and you love for these two sports to recover very quickly. With all my support I wish you all the best."

Meanwhile, Carrie Slater, of Enzo in Nantwich, says more people have donated prizes to a raffle which is being run alongside the Bake-off at the cafe on Saturday (April 3).

Carrie, whose son Oscar has played with Ashton in Crewe's Academy, is now aiming for a £2,000 fundraising target after initially hoping to raise £1,500.

Carrie said: "We started this fundraiser hoping to raise as much as we possibly could for Ashton's treatment.

"Now the fundraiser means all that much more. Ashton will need prosthetics and all the treatment that goes with it. This little lad is utterly remarkable, his outlook throughout the entire time has been unbelievably courageous.

"Any help people can offer, whether it's baking a cake for the bake off, buying some raffle tickets or simply coming along on Friday to buy some cakes, anything is hugely appreciated. Every penny goes directly to Ashton."

Customers are being invited to bake cakes or delicacies and bring them into Enzo, where they will be assessed by the judges and sold to the public.

Entries to the Bake-off can be made via the Enzo website here along with the purchase of the raffle tickets.

The prize list is:

• Sony PS5 gaming console
• pizza for a year from Enzo
• signed Crewe Alex shirt
• body balancer massage treatment therapy
• football coaching session for up to three
• a sports massage session
• a family photoshoot with Paul Bell Photography
• 3-course meal for 2 with wine at Giovannis in Crewe
• £30 voucher @audacious_xx Nails by Jodie
• Delamere Forest membership gift voucher worth £40
• pamper gift set
• £30 voucher at Madison Spa
• £30 voucher for Shavington fish bar

Already £5,720 has been pledged to the fundraising run by Crewe Academy staff, which will see them take a route from Gresty Road to the Bet 365 Stadium and Vale Park before returning back to Cheshire on Sunday, May 23.

You can find the JustGiving page here.