A FAMILY is raising money for a former Colchester United youth footballer after an aggressive brain tumour - which had been kept at bay - returned.

Shaun Bailey played for the U’s under age sides and spent years in amateur leagues around Colchester before becoming manager of Halstead Town.

Twelve years ago he made the decision to move to Connecticut and became a university football coach.

In 2014 he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and was only given 12 months to live.

Almost three years later Shaun, 52, has responded well to medication and, against the odds, the tumour began to shrink. But his condition has started to get worse.

His brother Mick, 55, from Ipswich, said: “He was doing quite well but he started to get symptoms about six weeks ago.

“He had his regular MRI which showed the tumour had grown back.

“I went out to see him and he said this time around it feels a lot worse, he is having regular physio as he can’t use his right side.”

Shaun is now taking stronger medication and is due to undergo another MRI scan in four weeks, which will show if the medication is working.

The tumour is inoperable due to its position and surgeons say if the wrong nerve is hit during an operation, it could leave Shaun unable to talk or move.

In the meantime, being completely bedridden, he is dependent on his wife Kristine.

She said: “This recent recurrence has set him back physically, much worse than when he was first diagnosed, but his will and determination are incredible.

“It appears that his new treatment is working, but we won’t know for sure for several more weeks. We have our ups and downs.

“His right side is still very weak and he requires help with the most mundane tasks, but we see improvements every day, no matter how small.”

A Facebook page, called Bailey Strong, was set up to raise funds for medication and Shaun’s everyday needs.

His family has raised thousands of pounds already.

Friends in England have made t-shirts to raise money so if Shaun does become well enough he can fly back again.

To donate, or buy a t-shirt, search #Baileystrong on Twitter and Facebook.

A fundraising page in the US has been set up and $3,000 dollars has been raised. Visit www.youcaring.com/shaunbailey-858624 to contribute.