ABINGDON United vice-chair Stefan Caira has thanked the Oxfordshire community for its support a week on from the announcement of midfielder Jack Badger’s death, aged just 24.

Clubs across the county were quick to pay tribute to Badger, while an online fundraiser has garnered almost £30,000 in donations.

United launched the fundraiser via GoFundMe last week, to help with funeral costs and support Badger’s family.

It had an initial target of £1,000, but that was surpassed in no time at all, and upon publication, had raised more than £28,500 from 951 donations.

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Badger supported Oxford United, and the club honoured him with a brilliant minute’s applause in the 24th minute of the defeat at Bristol City on Saturday.

On the outpouring of emotion and tributes to Badger over the past week, Caira told this newspaper: “It proves how much Jack was loved by Abingdon United and afar. Jack was such a well-liked and well-loved person around the football club and the community.

“He was very well-respected in the Oxford United community too, and that was proven with the support and singing of his name in the concourses at Ashton Gate, and the minute’s applause in the 24th minute.

“We set up the GoFundMe with a £1,000 target, and that’s nearly hit £30,000, which is phenomenal.

“It takes a bit of the burden off his family and supports them. I don’t think Jack’s memory will ever be forgotten, he was a character on and off the pitch.

“As a player, he loved the battle and he would do anything for his side. He was a great wind-up merchant on the pitch.

“He was really cheeky, but after a game, he would always come round and check if people were okay.”

Caira added: “The only thing we hope can come from this is the message that there is help out there in the community.

“We all have our problems and our troubles, but there’s always someone out there to listen, and help is always available.

“The power of social media this past week and the GoFundMe have proven that.

“We as a club have been blown away by the support of local clubs. It’s not just Abingdon United doing things, but clubs across Oxfordshire, and as a football community, that’s very important.”

Abingdon’s Challenge Cup fixture against Wantage Town, a former club of Badger’s, has been relocated to The Northcourt and will take place on Friday, October 4, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

All gate proceeds will be donated to Badger’s family, with a club statement saying: “We invite everyone to come together as we honour the memory of a remarkable man and show our support for his loved ones.”

Caira added: “We’re expecting a big crowd for the game, and I would advise as many people to wear their best yellow and blue.”

To donate to the GoFundMe, please visit: gofundme.com/f/our-friend-jack-badger