LONDON, April 13 — Footballer John Terry has paid for the funeral of an eight-year-old Chelsea fan, who recently died from leukaemia.

According to the BBC, Terry donated £1,600 (RM8,798) to the family of Tommi Miller, who he met last year.

Tommi’s mother Ruth Miller said she was “overwhelmed” by the gesture, adding the family, who live in Cambridge, were “very proud” the footballer remembered him.

“Tommi obviously made a big impression on him and he was one of his favourite players so it’s very special to us,” she was quoted as saying to the Cambridge News.

The BBC said that Terry found out about Tommi’s death when a family friend contacted him on Instagram to ask if he would like to contribute to the costs of the funeral.

The Blues skipper replied, saying he would “love to help” and contacted the funeral director to arrange the payment.

Terry told the Cambridge News he was “totally devastated” to hear the little boy had died after an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant.

“Having had the pleasure of meeting Tommi at a Chelsea game, I was totally devastated to hear of him passing away,” Terry said.

“I’m sure his family and friends will give him the send off he deserves.”

The funeral will take place tomorrow, with those attending wearing either Chelsea shirts or the Cambridge United strip, the BBC reported.