A fundraising campaign has been launched by Herne Bay to raise £9,000 to allow injured midfielder Michael West to get surgery.

The former Ebbsfleet man is suffering with “a bilateral hernia” issue.

West, 31, who joined the Winch’s Field outfit in the summer permanently having last season helped them to promotion through the play-offs, has been playing on with the problem.

In an appeal set up by Herne Bay chairman Stuart Fitchie, he says it’s hoped they can raise the necessary funds to allow West to have surgery done privately, allowing him to play pain-free.

“A bilateral (meaning both sides) hernia is a type of inguinal or groin hernia that occurs in both sides of the lower abdomen,” he explained.

“Hernias may not be painful when they first occur. However, if they are left unattended, the weak spot can grow and simple acts like coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects can be very painful.

“The surgery, known as bilateral groin repair, is a procedure which will see the hernial sac removed before the muscle layer is strengthened with stitches and a synthetic mesh is inserted to cover the weak spots.

“Times are hard, we completely understand that.

"But with what little help you can afford to give, we can help raise £9,000 and pay Michael back for the dedication he has showed this club by playing through a pain barrier many others would not have done.”

Herne Bay have arranged a friendly for Tuesday (tomorrow) night at home to Isthmian South East Hythe when all funds will go towards West's surgery. More than £300 had been raised through inside the first two days through 17 donations.

West even had a spell as interim boss this term at Bay after last month’s departure of boss Ben Smith before Kevin Watson was appointed as his replacement.

Second-bottom Herne Bay, whose league match last weekend against Potters Bar was postponed due to their frozen 3G pitch, are due to host Folkestone in a derby on Boxing Day.

When the two sides met at Cheriton Road, Invicta won 2-1 in August, although both teams are now under new management.

To donate, go to tinyurl.com/KMMikeWest.