A Norfolk man who faced online abuse over his love of Norwich City has seen his fundraising efforts smash the £60,000 barrier ahead of a half marathon he is running this weekend.
Nathan West of Earsham, near Bungay, will be running the Run Kent-Tonbridge Half Marathon on Sunday.
He initially set a target of raising £500 for Macmillian Cancer Research, a charity close to him having lost loved ones to cancer.
The diehard Norwich City FC fan was £60 short of that target in August when he was interviewed by the PinkUn ahead of Norwich's home clash with Millwall.
When the video was shared on social media, it led to some people making hateful abuse towards the 32-year-old, who is known as Westy.
This sparked the footballing community to rally around Westy, and the fundraiser the Clays factory worker had launched was shared widely before going viral.
🔰🏴 “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
READ MORE: Canaries fan 'overwhelmed' after video with 24m views lands him Wembley trip
Within three days of the interview with the PinkUn, Mr West's fundraiser was on £36,000.
Now, six weeks later, with Mr West's run just a matter of days away, he has smashed £60,000.
"Blimey, the run has come around quickly, it only feels like yesterday I spoke to the PinkUn when it all changed, but you know what, I am ready to smash it.
"I have worked so hard to prepare myself I just want to do it to be honest, this probably is the fittest I have ever felt, and best too as I feel like a local celebrity now.
"The weather is looking alright so conditions should be good, it's going to be lovely, nothing is going to stop me," Mr West said.
READ MORE: Norwich City Football Club honour Nathan West for fundraiser
In recognition of his fundraising, Norwich City Football Club has made Mr West a Community Hero and he will be presenting the match ball for the Leeds game on October 21.
And the FA has arranged for Mr West and a friend to have tickets for the European Qualifier at Wembley as England take on Italy on October 17.
He said that in Earsham and Bungay, people are calling him a "local hero" and he wants to do his supporters and everyone who has donated proud.
To donate to his fundraiser see the link: www.justgiving.com/page/nathan-west-tonbridge-half-marathon-2023
A little shout out yesterday on #soccersaturday to the brilliant Nathan West.
— Simon Thomas (@SimonThomasTV) August 27, 2023
Needlessly abused & now, a week later, sticking it back to the keyboard cowards.
Nearly £58,000 raised for @macmillancancer
Thank you to everyone who has got behind #Westyhttps://t.co/3jrUo4mzH2 pic.twitter.com/yoUsUL6vYp
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