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. This is Laura's story:

A former apprentice to Richard Fahey, Laura moved to England in 2010 to pursue a career in the saddle. Her riding career highlights include representing Ireland in the HH Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak World Apprentice Series in San Francisco, and winning the Prolinx Ladies Silver Championship for the highest strike rate in a season.

In March 2016, she was first diagnosed with a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour on her L4 nerve duct. Upon research, these tumours are extremely rare and aggressive. Radiation, a burst appendix, blood clots, surgery to remove the tumour,  dozens of hospital admissions and a hell of a lot of pain later, brought us to November...

Late November, the nerve pain in Laura's leg and foot was increasing daily, the cause heartbreakingly, was another tumour on the L5 nerve duct. This time it was extremely difficult to remove and treat. Thankfully, a surgeon in London was found who was willing to operate in December.
She has been left paralysed from the hip down in her left leg from her latest surgery, and still needs chemotherapy to try and prevent the cancer from returning. This is due to happen in late January. 

She still has a long way to go, your support during this extremely tough time is appreciated so much. Any donations will be used in the hope of giving her the best possible future, and the greatest chance of recovery.