A FUNDRAISING campaign for Laura Barry, a former Malton jockey who has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive nerve cancer, has smashed its £30,000 target in just six days.

Laura, 24, who is currently seriously ill in Wellington Hospital in London, is a former apprentice to Malton racehorse trainer Richard Fahey.

The campaign, which went live last Monday on website GoFundMe, leapt to £23,000 in just 24 hours after substantial pledges by jump jockey Brian Hughes and Richard Fahey.

Laura moved from Limerick in Ireland to England in 2010, to pursue a career in the saddle.

Her riding career highlights include representing Ireland in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Apprentice Series in San Francisco, and winning the Prolinx Ladies Silver Championship for the highest strike rate in a season.

Mr Fahey, who trained Laura two years ago, said: “She was apprentice jockey to me for a few seasons. She was a very popular girl with everyone and had a great work ethic.”

Laura started suffering from pain in her left leg last year, and was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that attacks the nerve ducts of the spine and nervous system. Although the tumour was treated, a second tumour was discovered in November 2016. Her best friend and fellow rider Gemma Tutty, who set up the GoFundMe appeal said: “Not many of us imagine a pain in our leg at 23-years-old could possibly lead to a cancer diagnosis, and a gruelling rollercoaster year with multiple treatments, complications and operations.”

Laura has been left with paralysis in her left leg from the hip downwards and, with no chemotherapy specific to her cancer available, the family are currently looking at possible treatment options abroad.

Ms Tutty added: “The Injured Jockeys Fund have been brilliant and paid for all her medical fees but there’s only so much they can do. This is why we need to raise funds.

“Amazingly, despite all of this you never hear her moaning about it, she’s always cracking jokes and having a laugh. It’s never depressing to go see her, always a pleasure.”

Kelsea Little from GoFundMe said: “We hope people continue to support the campaign and send Laura our very best wishes.”

To support this campaign, visit gofundme.com/laurabarry.