South Yorkshire postman battling cancer presented with signed football shirt

Brian Warnes, 54, of Holderness Drive in Aston has worked as a postman around Rotherham for 27 years, however earlier this year he was forced to take a step back from his day job when he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

In the hopes of eradicating the disease Brian recently underwent a bone marrow transplant at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, and was released after five weeks as his blood count was on the up.

Throughout the years, Brian has been an avid Leeds United supporter, and used to be very active before his diagnosis, travelling the breadth of the country to support his team.

So, following his recent treatment Brian's friend and landlord of the Rosegarth Pub Roger Davis decided to start a collection for Brian, to support him on his road to recovery.

Members of the community raised funds to buy the well loved postie a Leeds United football shirt, which, with the help from ex-Leeds United footballer and Sheffield native Mel Sterland, was signed by former Leeds legends such as Allan Clarke and Peter Lorimer.

The shirt was then framed, ready to be presented to Brian in a party organised by Roger at the Rosegarth Pub on Saturday, August 25.

Friends and colleagues were joined by Mel Sterland at the pub, ready to surprise Brian with his framed shirt, and a picture of the former Leeds team.

According to Roger, Brian was surprised to see the pub packed out, but didn't realise they were there for him.

He said: "He looked a bit dumbstruck, he talked to Mel for quite a bit. He got a bit emotional, and enjoyed the night but it tired him out.

"Brian does not have a bad bone in his body, and would do anything for anybody. He has lots of good friends in the community."

For now, Brian has to return to hospital once a week to have his blood counts checked.

However, things are looking up as during his most recent visit he was told by Doctors that his blood counts were 'very good'.