AN ex-Halesowen Town footballer is hoping to smash a world record on a golf course to raise funds for a friend struck down with motor neurone disease.

Lee Ross, who played for the Yeltz in 2002-03, is teeing off to beat the current world record of 221 for most holes by an individual in 12 hours.

The 37-year-old hopes to make it into the Guinness Book of Records on Monday July 18 at a Redditch golf course.

Mr Ross has set a £2,000 target for fellow footballer Tom Stevenson, from Sutton Coldfield, who was diagnosed with the disease when he was just 30 and still playing at a semi-professional level.

Mr Ross said: “Tom is probably the most inspiring person I’ve ever met. From the day he was diagnosed, I have only ever seen Tom be positive.

“Every day is a battle with the disease. In spite of his illness, Tom puts a huge amount of energy into fundraising himself, from 'It’s a knockout' events to celebrity football matches, to try and help find a cure, while also providing for his future.”

The much-needed funds raised will go to the married father-of-one and his £500,000 Battlefund.

Anyone wishing to sponsor his challenge can do so via the gofundme website and search World Record for the Battlefund.