Mr Abramovich can you please spare some cash for the Cherries?

The Cherries-mad youngster, who will celebrate his fourth birthday this weekend by attending his 150th game, has sent a heartfelt plea for help to none other than Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

And his request is a simple one - he just wants £3.5million pounds to secure the future of his beloved club.

Lewis, a Junior Cherry since he was three hours old and season ticket holder in the family stand, attended his first game at two weeks old and hasn't missed a home match since.

In his letter to the Russian billionaire, he invited Mr Abramovich to join him at this Saturday's game against Port Vale for some birthday cake.

With a little help from mum Gayle, he wrote: "I am very scared and sad that it might be my last birthday party at the club.

"My mummy has told me that we have very serious money problems which could mean we lose our club forever. I cried when mummy told me because I want to be having my birthday parties at the club when I am 21.

"I know it is a lot of money but if you were able to lend us the money everyone from Bournemouth would love you forever."

Mum Gayle, of Parkstone, said Lewis would be devastated if he could no longer watch the Cherries play.

"The club means everything to him," she said. "He's made so many friends there and he's celebrated every birthday, every Christmas there.

"He's now started coaching sessions with the Football in the Community team and he absolutely loves those as well.

"We're not seriously expecting any financial help from Roman Abramovich but he and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho are both parents and they might be touched by Lewis' letter.

"You never know, they might send us a shirt or ball that we can auction to raise money for the club.

"And it can only help to raise awareness of the fact that while clubs in the Premiership are paying players £100,000 a week, clubs like Bournemouth are struggling to survive."

First published: October 18