The family of Scotland cricketer Con de Lange have announced he has a brain tumour as they started a fundraising drive for charity.

The 37-year-old was given the diagnosis at the start of the year but has only decided to go public after the recent death of a friend.

His family said they want positivity rather than sympathy and have launched an appeal to support a "massively under-funded cause" in the Brain Tumour Charity.

More than £8000 has been raised in a JustGiving appeal.

Mr Lange's wife Claire wrote: "Con and I are usually very private people, but sometimes you need to reach out to your friends.

"Ten months ago our lives were turned upside down when Con was diagnosed, completely out of the blue, with a brain tumour.

"This year has been tough, to say the least, with an operation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, a clinical trial, and a few hospital admissions along the way.

"With the recent loss of a good friend we had made along the way, we have been inspired to raise money for this charity that needs your help. Every year, 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Nobody is immune.

"Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. And only 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease."

Cricket Scotland are supporting the family.

Chief executive Malcolm Cannon said: "Cricket Scotland continues to support Con and his family and we have respected his wishes for confidentiality throughout this difficult period.

"Con has been a superb servant to the game of cricket in Scotland and is a very popular member of the squad.

"We are now delighted to help the cause by spreading the word throughout the broader cricketing family both at home and overseas and we know there will be an overwhelming level of support from this close-knit community."

The family are organising a walk to support their fundraising efforts.

Sarah Lindsell, The Brain Tumour Charity's chief executive, added: "Our warmest wishes and support are with Con de Lange after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

"We are so grateful that he had his wife Claire are fundraising for us to help us in our mission to defeat this brutal disease.

"Like Con, 31 people a day will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumour - that's over 11,400 a year - and our five-year research strategy A Cure Can't Wait aims to double survival within ten years and halve the harm brain tumours have on quality of life."