WANDERERS are planning a fundraising game against an ‘All Star XI’ to raise money for treatment for Gethin Jones’s mother, Karen, who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The club has rallied around the help Jones and his family, who are hoping to raise cash to afford treatment which is only available in the US.

Karen Jones, a former midwife who worked with the NHS for 30 years, was diagnosed with the life-limiting neural condition earlier this year.

Wanderers have announced they will play a special game on Sunday, November 14, which will involve the current first team against Bolton legends of the past.

There will also be a special gala dinner held at the Lion of Vienna Suite on Saturday, November 13.

The Jones family including Gethin, his dad Gareth, brother Dylan and sister Ela, set up a JustGiving page to kick-off the fundraising and are also planning their own financial contribution.

A target of £250,000 has been set, with a quarter going to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, co-founded by ex-Bolton defender Stephen Darby after his own diagnosis a few years ago.

Jones says the response from Wanderers fans has already been beyond his expectations.

“It was unbelievable when we put the Just Giving Page up,” he said. “No-one knew about it and within an hour fans found out and the support from the fans we’ve had has been incredible.

“I put a little Tweet out to thank the fans but to have something going ahead here at the club, which has been fantastic, along with the gaffer and all the lads, will be fantastic support for my mum.”

Wanderers will play against Crewe on Friday, November 12, in a League One game that was initially moved to accommodate the Rugby World Cup.

Former Everton defender Jones said the diagnosis had hit the family hard but that his mum was taking great strength from the work which is being done to raise awareness of MND.

“Mum is staying strong and only has a positive mind-set,” he said.

“We are just taking it day by day. She has her good moments and she has low moments.

“For me, football takes my mind off it a bit but I get my moments when I do break down when I go home.

“I just try and stay positive and everything people like (ex-GB rugby league international) Rob Burrows, Stephen Darby and others are doing to raise awareness of MND, is something we want to do as well.

“We have got loads of things going on, like fund-raisers in Wales, just to raise awareness because it’s something that’s needed to get more research into MND. It’s something we’re desperate to look into.”

Club skipper Antoni Sarcevic says the first team was keen to help in any way they could after learning of the diagnosis.

The Bolton News:

“When we were made aware of it, we were devastated for Geth,” he said.

“When we got word there was a Just Giving page, me and Doyler spoke to the gaffer and thought it was a good idea to use the facilities the club’s got and the support it gets to try and raise as much money as we can for Gethin’s mum.

“It will be a good day for everyone to get involved and hopefully Geth can have a good day with his family and his mum and we can raise as much money as we can.”

Sharon Brittan has also pledged the club’s support and urged fans to do what they could to help raise funds.

She said: “Like all supporters, staff and players, Gethin is a valued member of the Bolton Wanderers family and it is natural for us all to get behind this appeal to help his mum.

“We will do as much as we can to help the Jones family reach the best outcome for Karen.

“I know our wonderful supporters will also get behind Gethin, Karen and the rest of the family by making these two events over the weekend a success in raising vital funds and awareness for such an important and worthwhile cause.

“We will also continue to give Gethin the support he needs as a player and, along with his team-mates and the management staff, we will all be right behind him in his efforts on and off the pitch.”

Wanderers have priced tickets for the All-Star game at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, and they can now be bought via the club’s website.

Tables of 10 for the black-tie dinner will cost £750 or £75 per person and are bookable via the Bolton Whites Hotel sales team on 01204 673610 and events@boltonwhites.co.uk Anyone wishing to donate their services/products for the evening or anyone able to provide auction or raffle prizes should please make contact the same way.

Further details regarding both events will follow in the coming weeks and anyone wishing to contribute to the appeal via Just Giving can do so HERE.