ENGLAND coach Clive Woodward is helping out a Wales fan - because news of his sick daughter's plight has touched the rugby boss's heart.

Nick Hartland, a school pal of Welsh international and Newport RFC star Ian Gough, and wife Lesley were delighted when Mr Woodward wrote them a letter wishing them well in raising between £250,000 and £500,000 for daughter Amber, aged one.

Amber has the rare genetic disorder infantile tay-sachs, which results in a build-up of enzymes in the body, blocking organs.

Her parents Lesley, 38 and Nick, 26, of Ellwood Path, Cwmbran, fear their daughter could die by the age of four.

They are fundraising to enable Amber to have experimental treatment in the USA, and the appeal fund stands at more than £30,000.

They are due to fly to Washington on April 24 to meet an American doctor who may be able to help Amber.

Now Mr Woodward, who formerly coached Bath RFC, and the England rugby team have donated a shirt signed by the entire team which can be auctioned to raise funds. The donation of the shirt and the letter came after an Argus reader told Mr Woodward about Amber's plight.

In the letter, Mr Woodward says he is sorry to hear of Amber's condition. He said: "I'm sure Amber is a brave girl and the thoughts of us all are with you and her at this difficult time."

Mr Hartland said he and his wife are "gobsmacked" by the kindness shown. He said: "We are really grateful for the shirt and the letter is lovely as well. Hopefully the shirt will be a popular attraction at the auction we hope to arrange. It should raise a lot of money."

Mr Hartland said the couple have five or six rugby shirts plus other sporting memorabilia to auction.

He said: "We are waiting for the right time to hold the auction to raise as much money as possible. We will let people know the date as soon as it is set."

Donations to the Amber Hartland Fund can be made at branches of the HSBC branch quoting account number 3141 5409.