A FUNDRAISER has been launched for Hamworthy United boss, Dan Cann, who was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Dan, 38, said he has been “blown away” by the generosity of the public after a fundraiser was launched following his motor neuron disease diagnosis.

Dan noticed symptoms of weakness in his arm after moving into a new house last year with his wife Sophie and two children Ashton, 17, and Xander, seven.

“I set up a gym in our new house and was getting back into training when I noticed that when I was lifting weights my left arm wasn’t quite right,” said Dan.

He added that he thought it was from an accident that he suffered in Portugal a few years ago which left Dan with a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain.

However, his brain scan came back clear before finding a herniated disc in his neck.

In February 2024 Dan began experiencing symptoms in his legs, his speech became effected and his arms started twitching.

After numerous referrals, Dan was sent to a motor neurone disease (MND) specialist who confirmed his condition in early August.

“I kind of half expected it, but obviously it’s been a huge shock for my family.”

He added: “I feel okay.

“I can walk, I can talk, I can still do everything for myself so I’m still very early days.”

Despite his recent diagnosis, Dan remains working and said: “I want to hit it head on, do everything I can in my power to try and slow it down.

“Take each day as it comes and live life to the maximum.”

Long-term friend, Jamie Whiskin, has since set up a fundraiser for Dan and his family to help with financial stress and allow him to live the rest of his life to the fullest.

“I didn’t think it would get much traction but then 24 hours in and we hit £15,000.

“It has humbled me and blown me away, the generosity of everyone who’s given on the page.”

The Just Giving page titled ‘Iʼm raising £10,000 to Help support Dan Cann & his family through his end of life care after his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis’ has raised over £18,000.

The money will be used to support Dan during his treatment at a specialist MND clinic, Apex Neuro, based near Manchester.

Dan’s friends have organised a charity football match between Hamworthy United legends and Poole Town legends on September 15.

A 100km charity cycle is also set to place on September 29 from Weymouth to Hamworthy.