THE family of a West Ham fan diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour have raised nearly £4,000 in just 24 hours to make his dream come true.

Carl Boatwright, 47, from Pitsea, was diagnosed with two terminal brain tumours last month and is undergoing extensive chemotherapy in an attempt to shrink the tumours.

Doctors have told him he has up to six months to live.

Megan Williams, His nephew’s fiancee, hopes to hire out a box at Upton Park for the day to treat Carl and his family.

She also want to arrange for him to meet some West Ham players The family hoped to raise £3,600 but smashed their target within 24 hours- raising £3,765.

One anonymous wellwisher donated a generous £1,000 Carl, a terminal operative at DP World, in Stanford-le-Hope, is such a big Hammers fan that he even had a West Ham themed wedding.

Megan, 22, of Gernons, Basildon, said: “We are all in shock, he went for an eye test a few weeks ago and they referred him to the hospital straight away.

“He’s a massive West Ham fan and named his son after Trevor Brooking. To get him a box at the ground would be amazing.

“We’ve set up a fundraising page and are so grateful for any donations.

“This is about making memories that will last a lifetime for his children.”

Carl discovered the tumours after going to the opticians for an eye test.

He only broke the devastating news to his family, including children Ebony, 19, Melody, 16, and Brooking, 11, a fortnight ago.

Megan said: “He hadn’t told anyone and his parents found out he was in hospital and went to visit him.

“He keeps forgetting things because the tumour is having such an effect on his memory, and he didn’t remember not telling his parents.

“His only brother died of leukaemia 23 years ago so he is the only son they've got.

“The doctors said it’s one mass but two tumours, and its aggressive. They've given him four to six months to live.

“His children are doing really well and putting a brave face on for him, but had it not been for the eye test he never would have known. He was at work as normal just three weeks ago.”

West Ham United said they would cover half the cost of the box to allow Carl to spend the remaining money from the fund on a family break.

A West Ham spokesman said: “We were extremely saddened to hear about Carl’s situation. We are therefore going to refund 50% of the cost of the box so Carl and his family can enjoy a weekend away with the money saved.

“On the day we will go above and beyond to make sure Carl and his family have a fantastic day and get the chance to meet some former and current players.”

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/wp9qf6bg.