An American football team has launched a fundraising campaign for a team-mate forced to pull out of the sport after being diagnosed with cancer.

Canterbury Christ Church student Joe Waller, who plays for university side the Chargers, stepped away from his studies and his beloved team just before the summer.

The 20-year-old, named Rookie of the Year at the end of the last season, was due to go into his second year when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer - 10 years after first fighting off the disease.

Co-president of the Chargers Ben Rogers says his devastated team-mates want to do something for him. “He’s the friendliest guy around,” said 21-year-old Ben.

“He’s there when you need him, there when you don’t.

“He is a bright spark on any bad day, a guy who’s brought an already close-knit team even closer together with his sense of humour, bravery and determination - the team wouldn’t be the same without him and we can’t wait to have him back with us.”

“It was a real shock to the team. I think even the new guys, the freshers, are all seeing how much this means to us and are getting behind it.

Second year student Ben says the team was planning to run fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for new kit and equipment, but now half of the money raised will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity chosen by Joe.

Along with setting up a GoFundMe page, the team held a fundraising night at the student union’s Lounge Bar and Kitchen last Wednesday in which players had their heads shaved and Ben his long locks chopped.

Ben says Joe, who plays for the Norwich Devils when at home, will not be coming back to the uni this year while he undergoes chemotherapy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Francesco Costagliola, Chargers co-president, said: “Joe is an essential player for both offence and defence.

“His best qualities are a positive attitude and will to fight, qualities that he has shown on the pitch with us Chargers and continued showing in his second battle against cancer.”

Social secretary Ollie Botham added: “I would never have shaved my head but Joe is one of the nicest, most genuine guys I’ve ever met. He’s absolutely hilarious, fun to play with and someone who will never fail to make you laugh.”

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/chargers-head-shave-and-hair-cut