THERE has been an incredible response to a fundraising campaign for a 22 year-old girl from Fishguard who is suffering from a rare brain tumour.

Abbie Dunn was diagnosed with Craniopharyngioma in May 2013 and underwent a 10 hour surgery the following October to remove part of a walnut-sized tumour.

In February this year she was told the devastating news that the tumour had started to grow again, and was advised her best course of treatment would be to travel to the United States for proton beam therapy.

The pioneering treatment is a relatively new form of radiotherapy, and at present, there are no facilities in the UK, so Abbie has been given the option to travel to either Florida or Oklahoma for her treatment.

“Abbie has learnt to accept what has happened and copes well with everything that is thrown at her,” said her mum Helen, who works as a dental nurse in Cardigan.

“We have put in an application to the NHS to fund Abbie’s medical expenses; however like other families in this situation the financial pressure we are facing is huge.”

The family launched their Just Giving fundraising page on February 28, with a basic target of £10,000, and that amount was soon exceeded thanks to generous donations from the public, local businesses and fundraising events.

A special mention to Fishguard and District Round Table, which contributed £5,000.

Helen said: “My family and I are so overwhelmed at the kindness, support and donations we have received.

“We set up the Just Giving page for three reasons; firstly to raise awareness for this rare disease, secondly to raise money to support Abbie on her journey, and finally we are hoping to raise enough money to support other families who are also heading out to the USA for proton beam therapy.”

Helen added: “The financial support has been a huge help, but while all this is going on we must not forget that Abbie is still a very poorly young lady with a huge battle ahead.”

Abbie previously worked as a waitress at the Fishguard Bay Hotel, and this year started a new job in a pharmacy which she is enjoying.

Thanking her supporters, Abbie said: “Your generosity will not only benefit me directly but hopefully go on to make a huge difference for many other people going through the same.

“Thank you all for being so thoughtful. It means a lot.”

Abbie and her family will hopefully be heading out to the United States in May. If you would like to make a donation, visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/abbie

You can also leave messages of support for Abbie.