Norwich City fan has now raised £45,000 for charity after being cruelly targeted by trolls
A Norwich City football fan who has raised thousands for charity after being trolled has said the support he's received has been 'overwhelming'.
Nathan West, of Earsham, Norfolk, was at Norwich City's ground on Sunday (20 August) when he was interviewed by sports outlet The Pink 'Un about the team's match against Millwall.
🔰🏴 “I’m going to watch the first half, and then have the second half in my headphones.”
— The Pink Un (@pinkun) August 20, 2023
🟡🟢 What’s your plan for following the Lionesses❓ #NCFC pic.twitter.com/LEcSt9F7Pm
West made some predictions about the match during the interview, but after it was shared online he became the subject of trolling and hurtful comments.
West's brother made him aware of the comments and the fan admitted they were 'quite upsetting', but thanks to people standing up for him, he managed to turn the situation into a positive one.
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After his interview, a Macmillan Cancer Support charity fundraiser that West had created with a goal of £500 was flooded with donations, and at the time of writing stands at more than £45,000.
West has described the response to his interview as 'unbelievable', adding he was 'over-the-moon' at the turn of events, BBC News reports.
"It's been quite overwhelming," he said. "I'm amazed how quickly the positivity has come and I appreciate everyone's donations. It's gone global - I've been reading messages from all over the world.
"[The charity] called me yesterday and thanked me for fundraising and they can't believe how crazy it's got."
As well as monetary donations, West has also been flooded with kind words, a signed football shirt and even some England tickets.
Norwich City star Jonathan Rowe, who West predicted would score during the game against Millwall, praised him in a post on Twitter.
"Big up yourself for doing this interview Westy!," he wrote. "Takes a lot of courage to express your opinions in front of a camera.
"I'm happy you predicted me to score again. (I look forward to more predictions from you) Your [sic] the man. I'm gonna sign a shirt & send it to you!"
Pascale Harvie, the general manager of fundraising site Justgiving, has said the 'overwhelming support' West received from the football community has left the company 'truly amazed'.
"The power of social media in situations like this is incredible," he added.
West's fundraiser will come to a head in October, when he runs the half marathon in Kent.
On his fundraising page, West thanked everyone for their support, adding: "Macmillan gives people with cancer everything they've got. If you're diagnosed, your worries are Macmillan's worries.
"Macmillan's doing whatever it takes. But without your help, Macmillan can't support everyone who needs them."
Emily Brown