Manchester United hero Andy Cole has pledged £250,000 to fund research into kidney disease.
The former England striker, who also played for Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers during a distinguished top-flight career, is working with Kidney Research UK after he underwent a transplant in 2017.
Cole, part of United’s treble-winning side in 1999, set up the Andy Cole Fund with the charity to support patients’ mental health. Scientists, researchers and innovators are now being urged to apply for one of the first grants from the fund.
He said: "I set up the Andy Cole Fund to make a difference. I'm determined that we will find the best ways to support kidney patients' mental health and improve the transplant experience.
"Kidney disease is the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. We've got to make it better for others and research is the answer.
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"I'm excited to see what projects we can fund through the Andy Cole Fund Grant Awards to help change the game for kidney patients."
Kidney Research UK's chief executive Sandra Currie said: "When Andy established the Andy Cole Fund, he wanted to focus on making a difference in areas that have affected him personally, aiming to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives with kidney disease.
"It's an absolute pleasure working with him, and it's great to be opening the fund for applications.
"All researchers who are interested in being part of this drive to improve transplant outcomes for patients or to reduce the mental health burden of kidney disease should apply now and be part of the change."
Cole suffered kidney failure in 2015, after contracting an airborne virus.
Cole, who scored 121 goals in 275 games for the Red Devils, underwent a transplant operation, with a kidney from his nephew, as part of his treatment for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
Those interested have until August 29 to apply.
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