NEW Yorker Eric Castro fell in love with Blackburn Rovers two years ago after learning of the club and their long history.

And now he could become the first person to run the New York Marathon in the club’s famous blue and white halves.

Mr Castro, a member of the burgeoning NYC Rovers fan club, will take on the 26-mile challenge for a US charity.

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And Rovers fans on this side of the Atlantic have been called upon to support their fellow supporter in his fundraising efforts.

Steven Bradley, of NYC Rovers, said: “NYC Rovers member Eric Castro is to run in the NYC Marathon but needs the help of the Rovers faithful.

“New York born and raised, Eric only discovered that Rovers existed two years ago but has quickly become enamoured with the club.

“Now a keen supporter of the side, he is looking to be presumably the first person to run the marathon while wearing a Rovers shirt.

“In order to qualify for the race, he needs to raise $2,600 for the charity Team For Kids and is hoping that Rovers fans can help him represent the mighty blue and white halves over the gruelling 26 miles that await him.

“If you would like to see Rovers represented at perhaps the most famous marathon in the world, please support Eric.”

Mr Castro said: “I will be fundraising as a member of Team for Kids.

“This programme combats childhood obesity and empowers youth development via running and character-building programmes in low-income schools and community centres in New York City and across the country.

“I hope that I can count on Rovers fans to help me achieve my fundraising goal.”

To sponsor Mr Castro and help him reach his goal of raising $2,620, which is £1,786.76 in sterling, visit www.tinyurl.com/EricCastroRovers.

The New York Marathon is the largest marathon in the world, with more than 50,000 people taking part.

The route takes runners through the five boroughs of New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island.

The race is held annually on the first Sunday of November and attracts the top professional competitors from around the world.