Donations to a toy drive launched in 2020 by American football player Damar Hamlin have soared after he collapsed on the field during a game last week, Yahoo News reports.
The toy drive had raised over $US8.5 million as of Monday.
Money from the initial drive went to toys for children in need in Hamlin's hometown of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
Hamlin remains in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during the match.
His uncle, Dorrian Glen, told CNN that Hamlin's health was "trending upwards" but he remains sedated on a ventilator.
Glen said the emergency had come as a shock to the family because Hamlin was "healthy as an ox" and had no pre-existing heart issues he knew of.
In a statement, Hamlin's family thanked fans for the donations as well as for their "prayers" and "kind words".
"We want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time," they said.
Over 241,000 people have donated to the fundraiser organised two years ago by Hamlin's charity, the Chasing M Foundation, on the crowdfunding website GoFundMe in the hours since.
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Damar Hamlin: Millions raised for toy drive after player collapses (Yahoo News)
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