David Dunn knows he's got a mountain to climb if he's to rescue his football career after a horror leg break last weekend.

But the Fauldhouse midfielder isn't alone in his gruelling journey to get back on his feet.

In an astonishing act of generosity, the 36-year-old is being backed by a group of big-hearted junior football supporters who are set to scale Ben Nevis to raise cash for the dad-of-three who is unable to work due to the injury.

Dunn collapsed in agony after a challenge in Fauldhouse's 3-1 win over Dalkeith last weekend.

The former Clyde, Airdrie and Ayr United playmaker broke his tibia in his left leg and has had two metal rods inserted - one which runs from the knee down to the ankle and another to secure the joint.

The injury has left him unable to carry out his part time job as a cleaner while wife Lynn has had to work from home to help look after their three kids.

David Dunn has broken his tibia

All of which caught the attention of Peter Innes, a close friend of Fauldhouse boss Jon Connolly, who is set to pull on the hiking boots to help out.

Dunn said: "It is an unbelievably kind gesture from Peter and I was overwhelmed when the gaffer told me about it when I was in hospital

"I don’t know Peter personally however I know him through footballing friends and social media. It's really taken me aback.

"It'll be a big help because the leg break is having a big impact on my family life. I am the main carer for my kids while my wife is at work. I also have a part time job that I will not be able to do for a period of time.

"These are the things you don't really think about when you are playing."

Dunn knew instantly he'd suffered a serious injury when he came off second best in a challenge in the middle of the park at Dalkeith.

He said: "It was a challenge in the middle of the park, it was a bouncing ball and I got there first and unfortunately my opponent caught me on the shin.

"At first I tried to get up but the leg gave way then I hobbled to the side.

"I knew straight away there was something up because of the pain and the way it was feeling. It was agony until the ambulance arrived and the drugs kicked in. Apparently all I kept asking then was 'who is going to watch my weans?'!

"I have had a few broken bones, my toe, wrist and elbow but this was the worst.

"I had the operation on Sunday to insert a metal rod from just under my knee to my ankle and another one across my ankle to secure it.

"I'm not sure how long I'll be out. They said it would depend on how quick a healer I am but it could take up to nine months.

David Dunn in action for Fauldhouse

"My teammates have been great, we are a really close dressing room. The support I have had from not just my family and friends but also from those who I have met throughout my time in football has really taken me aback."

None more so than Innes, who is planning to climb Scotland's highest mountain with pals James Gaffney and Dario Ferrari next month.

He said: "I heard about David's injury through the Fauldhouse gaffer, Jon. It's a painful situation for him and I just thought here's an opportunity to help out a bit.

"I've got kids too so I can imagine how difficult the next few months will be. Hopefully this will help a little."