A teenage boy who was left for dead after a vicious attack has been presented with a cheque for £2,600.

The money was raised for Jack Blanchard by football coach Paul Merritt who organised a fund day, took donations and auctioned off a signed Manchester United football in a bid to raise money for his 14-year-old player.

Jack was left brain damaged after he was attacked in Parkwood Green, Rainham, in July this year.

As a result of his injuries, the soccer-mad teenager has been unable to play for his team, Rainham Kenilworth Rovers under 14’s.

Paul presented the cheque to Jack, his mum Maxine and dad Steven at the Bredhurst Nursery Restaurant in Gillingham.

Dad Steven says they plan to spend the money helping Jack on the road to recovery.

He said: “We’ll use some of the money to pay for sports physiotherapy so Jack can get back to football and we’ll buy a lap op for him to use for school work as his writing’s not too good.

“He’s doing alright but he will never be back to normal. He’s at home at the moment having home tuition and doing some physiotherapy at the hospital. We’re looking forward to Christmas as much as we can - it could have been a very different story.

“Jack was meant to have been moved to residential rehabilitation accommodation in October but it didn’t happen. We’re hoping he’ll go in January where he’ll undergo intensive physiotherapy for three months.

“We’re very grateful to everyone for the money they’ve helped raise for Jack.”

•Three boys, two aged 14 and the other 13, have admitted causing grievous bodliy harm to Jack. They will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on January 16.