TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of AFC Bournemouth fan Lance Phayer.

The 45-year-old sadly passed away last Monday from a brain virus after a short period of illness.

Lance, a recognisable face to Cherries fans who supported the club for over 30 years, devoted his time in recent months to fundraising for young Bournemouth fans Ethan Burney and Jacob Buckett.

After completing a tandem skydive for eight-year-old Ethan - raising over £15,000 - Lance organised a sponsored wing walk to raise funds for four-year-old Jacob's Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy operation.

Unfortunately Lance's recent illness prevented him from taking part in the challenge, but with a friend filling in, the wing walk has raised over £4,000 to date.

As an active member of Cherries Trust - becoming a board member in July 2016 - Lance took a role in the growing relationship between supporters and the club.

The trust's chairman, Tony Maycock, said: "The money Lance has been able to raise is phenomenal. To see the difference he made is really nice.

"At meetings he stood his ground and would give his view, but he listened to what others had to say and respected them. He was a loveable rogue."

Amanda Buckett, Jacob's mother, said: "Lance did so much for Jacob and a lot of people didn't see the real side of him. He wanted Jacob to be having the best life a four-year-old could wish for.

"Jacob was buddies with Lance - he had quite an emotional impact on Lance's life. For Lance it was always about Jacob and I know he was really upset when he couldn't do the wing walk."

A statement from AFC Bournemouth following Lance's passing said: "Everyone at AFC Bournemouth was saddened to hear of the recent death of Lance Phayer. Lance was a long-standing fan, who travelled home and away to support the team, and his presence on the terraces will be missed. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Lance’s family and friends at this time."

A fundraising page - www.gofundme.com/88kh79-lance - has been set up for donations towards Lance's funeral, which takes place at 3pm on Friday August 4 at Bournemouth Crematorium with a football shirt dress code.