SOUTHEND United supporters have dug deep to raise more than £5,500 for club legend Alan Moody.

The Shrimpers’ record appearance maker has had both legs amputated following a short period of severe pain.

But the Shrimpers Trust - in conjunction with the club - have now raised £5,500 to play their part in helping Moody make the necessary adjustments to his life.

And Trust spokesman Andrew Leeder is delighted to have raised so much money, with more than £3,000 being made from bucket collections ahead of Saturday’s home game with Plymouth Argyle.

“I called Alan Moody’s daughter Claire with an update and they are overwhelmed with the response, so it’s great to have been able to raise so much for him,” said Leeder.

“We never had a target in mind but the result far exceeded expectations. “We collected just over £3,000 in cash on Saturday, which was remarkable, with Plymouth fans contributing too.

“Online donations are up to £1,805 and still growing, plus on Sunday a group of fans held a cricket match in Rayleigh and via a raffle raised a further £672, which was also amazing.

“Overall, we’re up to over £5,500 now and it’s still rising.”

Moody made more than 500 appearances for Blues between 1972 and 1984.

And the 66-year-old will now be attending the Shrimpers’ next home game against Rochdale at the start of September.

“We look forward to welcoming Alan and his family down to Roots Hall for the next game,” said Leeder.

“I have arranged for a number of Alan’s old friends and a couple of his ex-team mates to be there too.”

>Fans wishing to donate online should visit shrimperstrust.co.uk for more details.