Football rivals come together to help Derry City legend fighting brain illness

Two bitter football rivals will today join forces to help out a former Derry City player.

Mark Farren has been forced to retire because of a brain illness.

The 31 year-old Donegal man underwent radiotheraphy treatment in Belfast this week.

One of his former clubs, Glenavon, today take on Portadown in a Mid-Ulster derby.

Portadown fans have organized a collection for Mark Farren before the game.

Hundreds of people took part in a 5k fundraising run for the former Brandywell player in Killea last weekend.

The proceeds from a planned friendly between Derry City and Glentoran at the Brandywell last Tuesday night were also due to be donated to Mark (pictured above with his wife Terri).

However, the game had to be postponed because of the bad weather.