A FOOTBALL fan walked 75 miles to 16 London football stadiums to raise cash for a three-year-old girl who is battling cancer.

Patrick O’Connor, 53, of Leonard Road, Westcliff, raised about £4,000 with his foot straining feat in aid of Isla Caton, the niece of a close friend of his.

Isla suffers from a rare cancer called neuroblastoma, which forms in nervous tissue and often spreads.

Patrick walked from the Bobby Moore statue at West Ham’s former Upton Park ground, to their new home, London Stadium, Stratford, with a bit of a detour.

He said: “The walk was a big success. I completed the 77 miles in 29 hours arriving at the London Stadium Sunday lunchtime in plenty of time to watch West Ham versus Everton.

“Other than a few blisters I’m feeling fine, I’ve raised just over £4,000 and I am expecting that total to hopefully rise over the next few days. “Isla started her second week of radiotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital yesterday, which highlights the need to raise the £400,000 required to get her to the USA for her specialist treatment.”

Including the £4,000 raised by Patrick, £321,000 has been raised to help Isla get the help she needs.

Along the walk, Patrick experienced a number of special moments which kept him going on the walk.

He said: “Some of the highlights of the walk included walking through herds of deer in Richmond Park, having the crew of the Woolwich Ferry play ‘Bubbles’ over the ships tannoy in support of the walk while they took me across the Thames.

“Upon arriving at Millwall FC, their staff unexpectedly invited me onto the pitch for a photo opportunity.

“I’d like to thank the supporters of all the London’s football clubs, who have helped promote the walk and donated cash.

“Especially those of West Ham United and Millwall FC who have by far been the biggest supporters of the walk, and of Isla’s cause.”

To continue supporting Isla’s cause, go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pat-o-connor3 or text LFWI 66 £3 to 70070 to donate and help reach Isla’s target.