AN 11-year-old from Hayle is raising money to support her best friend who was recently diagnosed with a rare blood cancer.

Ellawyn is completing a three-day aquathlon challenge in August to help her friend Annie by funding treats, art supplies and easing the family’s financial strain during Annie’s treatment.

Earlier this year, Annie was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, also known as ALL, a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

Within 24 hours of having a rash on the back of her neck, Annie was taken to Great Ormand Street Hospital, where she had a port fitted in her chest and the chemotherapy journey started.

A GoFundMe page, which has been set up by Ellawyn’s mum Ria to raise money for Annie and her family, has reached a remarkable £6,800 as Ellawyn continues her training before the aquathlon starts on August 12.

On the fundraising page, Ellawyn said: “I would like to raise money to help pay for some crafting items, maybe some art classes when she is feeling up to it, maybe a Jelly Cat or two, and to help the family while her mum is not working and her dad has been taking time off work.

“For this I will be doing an Aquathlon, but not one Aquathlon, I will be doing this three times within three consecutive days. This consists of a 4 kilometer board paddle from Hayle to Gwithian, a 1.5 kilometer swim from Gwithian to Godrevy and a 4.5 kilometer Run from Godrevy back to Hayle along the Golden Sands Beach.

“I have been training loads, long paddles in the evenings, swimming in the pool, running at Carn Brea and also around Hayle. Any donations are much appreciated and if you are feeling really supportive, please come and help cheer me on during my races.”

To make a donation on the GoFundMe page, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/for-my-best-friend-annie