DAVE Waterman today thanked fundraisers who have raised more than £60,000 in memory of his late son Oakley.

The Terras defender launched an appeal to buy a respite caravan for cancer victims after the brave six-year-old lost a long battle with the disease in August.

The former Portsmouth and Oxford United star has now returned to training at the Wessex Stadium, although a groin injury is hampering his progress.

He told Echosport: "It's been a difficult few months for my wife Lorraine and I but we're doing the best we can to bear up.

"I doubt we'll ever fully get over losing Oakley, as a parent I'm not sure you can, and at the moment we're just taking life day by day.

"Oakley battled with cancer for three years and during that time you look at life differently.

"One of the biggest comforts has been all the support we've received from friends, family and my football colleagues."

Top sporting stars united to pay tribute to Oakley after hearing of his plight.

Australian cricketer Shane Warne wore a black armband during an Ashes Test last summer while Chelsea captain John Terry, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and skipper Roy Keane donated memorabilia to the appeal.

Waterman said: "The trust in Oakley's name and memory has really given us something to strive for.

"He told us he wanted to help other youngsters going through a similar experience and we're determined to make that a reality.

"Many Weymouth supporters, as well of countless people at other clubs, supported the appeal to buy the caravan where Oakley spent some respite time and I can't thank them enough.

"We're working with the charity CLIC Sargent and at the moment we're at the stage where the creation of the trust is being considered by the income tax people.

"The funds we have left over will be spent on the upkeep, maintenance and insurance of the caravan which is based in Chichester.

"The caravan should last between 10 and 15 years and there will be a replacement programme built into the fund. We want to continue raising funds because this is not a one-off."

Waterman returned to action with a 45-minute run-out in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Exeter City earlier this week.

"It's nice to be playing football again and everyone at the club has been tremendously supportive," he said.

"The manager Garry Hill kept in touch while I was away with Oakley and I'm thankful for that.

"But while I'm glad to put my boots on again, it's also a bit frustrating because I've got a groin injury which I can't seem to shake off.

"I'm just hoping to do that soon and then be in contention for first team selection."

Waterman is backing his team-mates to do well at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

"The boys have done fantastic in the cup so far and it would be brilliant if they can get a result up there," he said.

"I've been fortunate enough to have played at the City Ground in the past, it's a tremendous venue and hopefully it will bring the best out in the team."