Tony Hopper, the former Carlisle United and Workington Reds footballer who waged a brave and inspirational fight against motor neurone disease, has died.

Tony, a father of three, passed away last night in the Eden Valley Hospice. He was 42.

His family issued a statement to the News & Star this morning.

It said: "Tony Hopper has lost his short fight against motor neurone disease.

"He passed away surrounded by his family at Eden Valley Hospice on October 9, 2018.

"Sue [Tony's wife] and the boys - Daniel, 11, Adam, nine and Jack, five - would like to thank everyone who contributed to the 'Hoppy Memories' fund which enabled them to make many happy memories together.

"The support from the whole community has been overwhelming since Tony's diagnosis in January 2017."

Cumbrian Tony's fightback fund for the Motor Neurone Disease Association has also raised from than £30,000 for the charity, which will fund vital research and provide support for other MND sufferers.

Funeral details will be made available in the coming days.

Tributes have been paid this morning.

Carlisle United, where Tony came through the ranks as a youth and then first-team player, tweeted: "There are simply no words. Sleep well dear friend. Thoughts with Sue and the boys at this very sad time. Tony - thank you for the memories."

Workington Reds, where Tony played for a decade, said: "It is with great sadness that the club learned of the passing of former Carlisle United and Reds' legend Tony Hopper last night. Tony Hopper, 42, tragically died from Motor Neurone Disease. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends on their sad loss."

Reds chairman John Mackay added: "Tony was such a great fellow and a fantastic servant to our club and we heard the news with sadness.

"We would like to pass on our condolences to his family and say we are thinking of them at this difficult time."

Reds welcomed former captain Tony Hopper back to Borough Park as guest of honour in March last year as a sign of support for his battle with the disease.

Former team-mates have also paid tribute. Carlisle goalkeeper Adam Collin, who played alongside Tony at Workington, said:" Absolutely gutted to hear this news, Hoppy was a fantastic player but much more importantly a awesome person. Proud to be able to say I knew him and played many games with him. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

United captain Danny Grainger added: Horrendous news that Hoppy passed away during the night, an absolute legend of a man. My thoughts go out to his family at this heart breaking time."

The MND Association said: "We are so sorry to hear the news about Tony. We will continue to fight back against motor neurone disease in the memory of people like him."