Newcastle United and Man Utd legend commits £250k to heartfelt cause after health battle

Newcastle United legend Andy Cole is offering £250,000 worth of grants in a bid to help beat kidney disease.

The talisman, who also played for Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers in an illustrious career, needed a transplant operation himself in 2017. Cole has now set up the Andy Cole Fund with Kidney Research UK to help support patients' mental health during treatment.

Researchers, scientists and innovators have been urged to apply for the grants offered by the 51-year-old with a deadline of August 29.

Andy Cole said: "I set up the Andy Cole Fund to make a difference. I'm determined that we will find the best ways to support kidney patients' mental health and improve the transplant experience.

"Kidney disease is the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. We've got to make it better for others and research is the answer.

"I'm excited to see what projects we can fund through the Andy Cole Fund Grant Awards to help change the game for kidney patients."

Kidney Research UK's Chief Executive Sandra Currie added: "When Andy established the Andy Cole Fund, he wanted to focus on making a difference in areas that have affected him personally, aiming to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives with kidney disease.

"It's an absolute pleasure working with him, and it's great to be opening the fund for applications.

"All researchers who are interested in being part of this drive to improve transplant outcomes for patients or to reduce the mental health burden of kidney disease should apply now and be part of the change."

Cole scored 68 goals for Newcastle United in 84 appearances which saw the club rise from Division One into the Premier League in 1993. The Magpies had broken their club record transfer fee when paying £1.75 million to sign the striker from Arsenal in February 1993.

Cole eventually moved to Manchester United in 1995 and went on to win five Premier League trophies.