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McClean made his international debut on 29 February 2012
HELPING HAND

West Brom ace James McClean donates £3k to help child fighting cancer

The 28-year-old has eased the suffering families financial burden by single-handedly trebling their fundraising target

JAMES MCCLEAN has donated £3,000 via a JustGiveMe page to help 17-month-old Caleb Williamson, who is fighting an aggressive eye cancer.

The West Brom ace came to the aid of the family after reading their agonising story featured in the Belfast Telegraph.

 McClean signed for West Brom in 2015 for a fee of around £1.5m
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McClean signed for West Brom in 2015 for a fee of around £1.5mCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Republic of Ireland could only muster a draw in the World Cup qualifier against Georgia
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Republic of Ireland could only muster a draw in the World Cup qualifier against GeorgiaCredit: PA:Press Association

He forked out the funds on Friday, just a day before he featured in Ireland's 1-1 draw with Georgia in Tbilisi.

McClean's donation will support the costs of travelling to Switzerland after the toddler was referred to a specialist treatment centre to stop the tumours spreading.

The cost of the treatment is covered by the NHS, but the family will need to fork out for flights and accommodation every fortnight.

In a bid to ease the parents financial burden, a JustGiveMe page was started. Their heartbreaking situation was then revealed in the Belfast Telegraph.

The Republic of Ireland winger trebled their initial target of £1,000 with his donation.

Caleb's mum Jacqueline and dad Darran said they were in shock when they received the generous donation from the 28-year-old.

 McClean made his international debut on 29 February 2012
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McClean made his international debut on 29 February 2012Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription

Jacqueline said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw it.

"I was completely and totally lost for words and in total shock. It's just amazing that someone could help us like that.

"I kept looking at the JustGiving page in the morning when the story went out. And then, at lunchtime I saw James McClean's name and this figure. I didn't believe it was happening."

She also emailed McClean's wife Erin to thank her.

 The Baggies star and his daughter Allie-Mae ahead of an international fixture against Wales
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The Baggies star and his daughter Allie-Mae ahead of an international fixture against WalesCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription


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