Sheffield sporting superstar come to the aid of stricken snooker legend

Family man Willett, 32, who has two children and resides in Rotherham, has stepped forward to help Thorne, who formerly resided in Sheffield.

Tournament professional golfer and Sky sports golf analysts Sheffield born Mark Roe is the driving force behind the fund to help the former snooker star.

He said: "Danny is the fund’s biggest benefactor which is an amazing gesture that shows support - for both Willie and his home town. Sheffield people helping their own.

"The love being shown for 'Big Willie' will give him strength ahead in his fight against leukaemia.”

Lindrick Golf Club member Willett has dug deep to help Thorne, 66, who is currently living in Villamartin, Alicante, after returning home from treatment at Torrevieja hospital in the Costa Blanca.

Leicester born Thorne is unable to stand and needs a carer present, to assist him with his basic needs, is in a very vulnerable situation and remains in a lot of pain.

He is set to undergo further chemotherapy treatment later this month and has been told his treatment and recovery could take up to 18 months.

Spain has, in the main, been in lockdown, due to the coronavirus pandemic since March.

"Willie was moved to tears by the wonderful support he has had from friends, sports stars and members of the public," added Mark.

To find out more or to donate to Willie's recovery fund, visit www.gofundme.com/f/willie-thorne-recovery.

Willett, who turned professional in 2008, won the 2016 Masters, his first major championship win, and plays on the European Tour and PGA Tour.

After securing a golf scholarship at Jacksonville State University in Alabama he became English pro am champion in 2007.

Last year he finished twelfth in The US Open in 2019 and won the 2019 BMW championship at Wentworth, returning to the top 50 of the official world golf ranking.