'Gamecock Jesus' headed to Final Four thanks to GoFundMe campaign

South Carolina fan Carlton Thompson, better known as “Gamecock Jesus” because his long hair and beard have a striking resemblance to the biblical figure, will be heading to Phoenix this weekend for the Final Four. The trip was made possible through fan donations on a GoFundMe page.

Thompson had told the Post and Courier that he didn’t think he would be attending the game because it was too expensive. So the South Carolina fan base stepped in. Originally, the page had a goal of $4,000 but according to CBS, the site made that in just 17 hours. As of Wednesday at 12 p.m. ET, the page had $7,404 of donations and the goal had been raised to $8,000.

“Gamecock Jesus is on his way to Phoenix!” the GoFundMe page says. “We raised enough money for Gamecock Jesus as well as his lifelong friend, Eddie Kester, to make the journey to the Final Four. With all the love and support, we can also get his two sons, Greg and Nick Thompson, there too! Gamecock Nation is doing an incredible thing for this man and his family. Please continue to share and donate! Go Cocks!”

The post has been shared over 9,000 times on Facebook.

The Gamecocks will face Gonzaga in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament on Saturday.