A primary school in Egremont has decided to help raise money for footballer Danny Hodgson.

St. Bridget’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery allowed pupils to dress as they pleased on Friday, with pupils arriving with donations to pass on to the GoFundMe appeal set up by Danny’s friend Steven Burton.

A separate GoFundMe account, launched by Danny's football club ECU Joondalup who are based in Western Australia. Both fundraising pages have raised over $100,000 for Hodgson, who is still in hospital after suffering an unprovoked attack at a train station in Perth. The money has allowed Danny’s parents to travel to Australia to be by his side in hospital. Premiership footballers Scott Carson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Cumbrian Dean Henderson have also donated generously for the appeal.

The 25-year-old is currently in an induced coma at Royal Perth Hospital after being admitted for emergency surgery for head injuries and later suffering brain haemorrhaging. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm and is due to appear in Perth Children’s Court on Wednesday (22nd).

Growing up in Bigrigg, Hodgson used to study at the school. Headteacher at St Bridget’s, Mrs Smith shared: “Danny is a delightful former pupil who is still fondly remembered by the staff of St Bridget's. On hearing of the tragic events in Australia we felt that we wanted to help support the family in any way we could at this difficult time.

“We read about the Just Giving page on social media and, as sport is so close to Danny's heart, we decided to hold a non-uniform day with children paying a donation to come to school in sports kit. We raised a fantastic £357 for Danny and his family. We send all our thoughts and prayers to Danny and his family.”