Officials want a chain reaction from fans!

Fans of Skelmersdale United and FC United of Manchester fans have a chance to take part in the ongoing attempt to create the longest chain of football scarves in the world and raise awareness of the battle against a rare disease when the sides meet in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League’s top flight in the New Year.

Supporters of the Burscough-based Alfie Lund Fund have already raised more than £20,000 over the last two years for the six year-old who sufferers from MECP2 Duplication syndrome, which means he cannot walk or talk and has profound and complex learning difficulties.

Earlier this season, they set themselves a challenge of creating the longest chain to further raise the profile of UK charity Mecp2 Duplication by winning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and supporters can get involved when the sides meet at Stormy Corner on Saturday January 24.

First Division North Burscough hosted a similar event when they played Farsley AFC back in November, pictured, and Skem officials say the record-breaking chain is now long enough to encircle the West Lancashire College Stadium twice after a flood of donated scarves, football shirts and flags from all over the world.

A Skelmersdale United spokesman said: “Despite his problems, Alfie is a very happy and inspirational little boy and we’re delighted they’ve visiting us as part of the attempt. Alfie and his dad Mark will be coming along with a selection of the chain and we hope the fans will all get involved."

Alfie is one of just 25 children in the UK with the condition and his dad Mark said: "Due to the massive amount of support for Alfie we have turned our attention to raising the profile of Mecp2 Duplication UK charity and hopefully some funds for them along the way as they are a charity close to our hearts.

"We are taking the chain to football grounds around the country and at the end of the season we hope to sell and auction off as much of the chain as possible. All money raised will go to Mecp2 Duplication UK which will benefit all the children in the UK currently living with the disorder."

To donate contact visit www.facebook.com/thealfielundfund or e-mail: thealfielundfund@live.co.uk.

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