A FOOTBALL fan with terminal cancer is quashing women’s fears of spectator sports and encouraging them into the stands – and she wants see the initiative go national while she still has time.

Jacqui Forster, 54, is well acquainted with the world of football, having worked at Supporters Direct, which represents the interests of 200 supporters' trusts and supporter-owned clubs across the country.

And the Altrincham FC fan has come up with a new scheme called Women at the Game. The idea is for women to attend sporting events together to encourage them to feel comfortable and confident about doing so.

Jacqui, from Hale, held the pilot at the Altrincham FC v Gloucester City match at Altrincham Football club on Saturday, January 7.

She was joined by two women who had never been to a football match before and others who had attended a game but had bad experiences.

“The idea is to avoid fear of entering a stadium alone and provide opportunities for women to meet prior to the game and enter the stadium and then to watch the game together,” said Jacqui.

“It was really nice; the women really enjoyed the experience. We were able to chat during the match, even about non-football things, and talk about what was happening and why. It makes it more of a social event.”

Jacqui is determined to see the initiative rolled out across the country and be extended to other sports. A lot of interest has been shown by other clubs and supporters but Jacqui is working against the clock.

She was given just months to live in December 2015 after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Jacqui has used some money colleagues raised for her following her terminal diagnosis to get the project off the ground.

“I need other people to volunteer as I’m not going to be around to do it,” she said. “We need people on board to roll it out.”

Anyone who would like to get involved as a volunteer or would like to join Women at the Game should visit facebook.com/groups/1178445935584034/. Alternatively, call Jacqui on 07801057042 or email jacquiforster@gmail.com.