BRAVE Ashton Hulme has been handed a surprise gift and video message from Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon.

Buffon learnt of the Crewe Alex Academy keeper's battle against a rare bone cancer from a close friend who keeps in regular touch with Crewe and Juventus fan Dom McGarry.

The Parma keeper, who was capped a record 176 times for Italy, took time out to record a message (see video above), where he told Ashton he wanted "to send him a hug" and that he planned to invite him over to watch a match with him at his former club Juventus when restrictions allow.

Dom, who lives in Alsager, attended Crewe's Reaseheath training ground to present Ashton with a signed shirt from Buffon, while playing him the message from the goalkeeping great.

On the No 77 shirt Buffon penned the words "In our friendship.....be strong and positive always".

"I think Ashton's story has touched everyone in the local community and further afield, and when I heard he was a goalkeeper I knew I could give him a little lift," said Dom, who has supported Juve since he was a child and has watched Buffon as a season-ticket holder at the Stadio delle Alpi and Juventus Stadium.

"I regularly go to their games, and a friend of mine is good friends with Gigi. I asked if they could help and typically Gigi went above and beyond to give support to a fellow keeper.

"It was more than worth it to see Ashton's face when he saw Gigi on the screen - I hope having the support of the best keeper in the world helps him stay positive in the challenges ahead."

Ashton had to undergo surgery to amputate part of a leg earlier this year and the youngster, who was playing with Crewe's under-12s side, has inspired Dave Artell's squad and backroom staff to rally around.

The manager joined Academy staff on a circuit of the area's professional football grounds last month, one of several fundraising initiatives.

All the proceeds from Crewe's pre-season friendly with Stoke City on Tuesday, July 20 will also go to the appeal.

Ashton's mum, Vicky, who attended the presentation, said: You read in the media all the negativity around players and football, but it is a caring community and they always look after their own - Crewe really couldn't do any more than what they are doing

"They check in all the time and make sure Ashton is okay as well as all the messages and the fundraising. We're so grateful."