Maidstone captain Stuart Lewis dedicated his winning goal against Sutton to young leukaemia sufferer Maddy Harris.

Seven-year-old Maddy has captured the hearts of Stones players and management over the past few days.

She is raising money for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent after launching her Brave the Shave challenge with the slogan ‘Don’t Stare It’s Only Hair’ - shattering her £20,000 target.

Stones boss Jay Saunders, along with Lewis, Jack Paxman and Reece Prestedge have all shaved their hair and others are set to follow, including the club’s former striker, Joe Pigott.

Lewis, whose second-half strike sank Sutton on Saturday, said: “I want to dedicate that goal and that win to young Maddy Harris who is suffering from leukaemia.

“We've all done this haircut for her and I'd like to dedicate that goal to her and her family because she's a brave young girl and to be attacking leukaemia, as she is, is a great feat.”

Saunders got the ball rolling at the Gallagher after being nominated by Stones fan and childhood friend, DJ and producer Nic Fanciulli.

Maddy is the niece of Fanciulli’s partner and Saunders was only too pleased to help, with his players following suit after nominations.

Saunders said: “Once I was nominated it was a no-brainer for me. I'm glad it's caught on. All the boys are getting involved.

“Maddy’s raised some really serious money in the last week which is excellent.

“She had a target of £20,000 and she's up to about £33,000.

“She's an amazing little girl who fully deserves the support for the way she is and I think you'll see a few more players going for it as well.”

To donate to Maddy’s campaign, click here for her Just Giving page.