ROCK’N’ROLL legend Ronnie Wood has donated a signed guitar to help raise money for a partially-paralysed south Essex footballer.

The Rolling Stones guitarist is a high-profile addition to the host of celebrities who are supporting Billericay Town goalkeeper Nicky Morgan, 25.

Mr Morgan suffered serious spinal injuries after trying to break up a fight outside the Sugar Hut nightclub, in Brentwood, in the early hours of Friday, October 28.

The 6ft 8ins keeper’s family are trying to raise £100,000 to help fund his treatment and buy rehabilitation equipment.

Veteran rocker Wood’s Fender Stratocaster guitar will be the star lot at an auction of celebrity goods and football memorabilia to be held during a benefit night tomorrow.

The goalkeeper’s brother Ben, 36, from Chelmsford, is helping to organise the event and said his family had been overwhelmed by the generosity of donors He added that he hoped the guitar would fetch at least £6,000.

He said: “A friend of a friend was organising a snooker event involving Jimmy White and because Jimmy and Ronnie Wood are good friends, he got him to donate the guitar.

“The number of donations we’ve had has been unbelievable.

“Nicky would love to be there on Friday but unfortunately, he can’t, although he’s going to write some words for someone else to read out to thank everyone.”

Because of his height, the footballer was initially told he would have to wait until December 7 for a special wheelchair to arrive at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, where he is being treated.

However, he is now able to leave his bed and visit other parts of the hospital, after losing enough weight to fit into a modified wheelchair.

The fundraising evening is being held at O’Grady’s Irish Bar in Ilford High Road, where Mr Morgan worked as a doorman.

The auction will feature more than 80 items, including football shirts and boots signed by David Beckham, Carlos Tevez, John Terry and Wayne Rooney.

Punters will also be able to bid for a tattoo session and the chance to watch a match from West Ham United’s executive directors’ box.

Several celebrities have said they hope to attend, including actor Ray Winstone, Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole and former England goalkeeper Ian Walker.

Mr Morgan’s brother added: “Nicky is well known in footballing circles and all his friends have chipped in and got hold of items to be auctioned.”

More than 1,200 tickets have been sold for the event, which starts at 7.30pm. Admission on the door is £6, or £10 for two people.

l No one has yet been arrested in connection with incident in which Mr Morgan was injured.