A village football club has shown its support for the family of one of its players, after his sister died during a match on Saturday.

Eastern Daily Press: Ellie Shaul at the fundraising football match she organised in Holt, in 2016. Photo: ArchantEllie Shaul at the fundraising football match she organised in Holt, in 2016. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

Briston FC have rallied round the family of Bradley Lewis Shaul, 16, after his sister, 19-year-old Ellie Mae, died on Saturday.

Club chairman Alan Palmer called the news devastating, and vowed the club would do whatever they could to help the family.

Friends and relatives of Miss Shaul have expressed their shock and grief at her death on a fundraising page set up to support her parents and younger brother.

The JustGiving site was created on Sunday, with a goal of raising £5,000 for the family.

The page had received £2,450 in donations by Tuesday, December 19.

The site described her as: 'a very special young lady who bravely fought so many battles with dignity and a smile.'

Miss Shaul was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2014, which was removed in an operation at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

But treatment left her with complications, including diabetes.

Miss Shaul, who worked at Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre, organised a charity football match in 2016, in support of two charities close to her heart.

A spokesperson for The Sick Children' Trust, which supported Miss Shaul through her treatment, said: 'We are so sad to hear about Ellie Mae's passing.

'She was an extremely brave, tenacious young lady who was so generous in giving her time to fundraise for The Sick Children's Trust.

'We are hugely thankful for her legacy and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.'

Sarah Lindsell, chief executive of The Brain Tumour Charity, said: 'Our hearts go out to Ellie's family and friends after their devastating loss.

'Ellie's courage and determination to do something positive for others was inspirational.'

Mr Palmer, from Briston FC, said: 'The news has had a devastating effect on all our teams. Anything we can do to help the family, we will.

'The club will definitely be holding a tribute match in the new year, that is for certain.'

The East Anglian Air Ambulance landed at a playing field in Briston on Saturday.

The East of England ambulance service confirmed that a patient died at the scene.

Would you like to pay a tribute to Ellie Shaul?

Email jessica.frank-keyes@archant.co.uk