Footballer 'sorry' for cancer lie

Nick Colley wants the money to go to a young cancer patient

A footballer whose claim he had stomach cancer prompted fans to raise thousands of pounds has apologised for lying.

Nick Colley made up the story while playing for Tamworth Football Club in Staffordshire.

The club's fans raised money to help him travel to the United States for specialist treatment.

Now he has admitted making up the story while suffering from depression.

In a statement sent to the BBC, Mr Colley said he had never had any access to the money raised but wanted it to go to a girl with cancer of the eyes who was being treated at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The 29-year-old striker was sacked by the club after he falsely claimed he had the illness before last season's FA Trophy Final in May 2003.

he is no longer welcome at the club Tamworth Football Club spokesman

Tamworth Football Club became concerned about Mr Colley when he failed to produce independent medical reports to show whether or not he was able to play for the team.

Mr Colley said in his statement that he had a history of mental depression and when found by one of his team mates crying in the dressing room he said he had cancer.

"Football banter can be cruel at times and I felt embarrassed to tell the truth about my mental depression and told him I had cancer," he said.

Mr Colley said his team mate then told the club out of concern.

Raise money

"This is when it got out of hand, but in times of massive depression the comfort and support I received from everyone was a huge support to my real illness and it took the pressure off me."

He said he went to the US for a holiday, but paid for the trip himself.

However, there was a collection to enable his parents to join him on his trip.

"When I returned I was feeling much better," he said.

"But I was horrified to find out that the goodwill of the Tamworth fans had set up a charity to raise money in my name."

'Life-threatening illness'

Mr Colley said he intended to help raise funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital and wanted to work with the Samaritans to help offer support and advice to people suffering with depression.

"I know what I have done is wrong, but I do have a life-threatening illness and I am dealing with it head on."

A spokesman from Tamworth Football Club said Mr Colley was no longer welcome there.

"Nick advised the club on Tuesday night that he's never had stomach cancer and that the whole thing was made up.

"As a result the club has felt it necessary to distance themselves from him and he is no longer welcome at the club."