AN APPEAL to raise £20,000 to pay for specialist treatment for a young Tenby mum who is battling cancer is launched this week.

‘A Chance for Ruth’ is the poignant name of the fundraising drive to help 27-year-old Ruth White, who is suffering from recurrent cervical cancer.

Politics graduate Ruth, who has a two-year-old son, Riley, was diagnosed last year and has just started her second round of chemotherapy at Velindre Hospital, Cardiff.

She has already undergone an operation, radiotherapy and previous chemotherapy treatment, as well as suffering temporary kidney failure.

“There is a procedure which will give Ruth another chance,” explained her aunt, Helen Sine.

“It’s known as Cyberknife, or stereotactic radiotherapy, but it is not available to Ruth on the NHS in the UK.

“The procedure has been in use in Europe for much longer, where the hospitals have more experience and are cheaper, so we are in touch with a hospital in Turkey and will be contacting others to find out their specialist areas and their criteria for accepting patients.

“It’s heartbreaking for Ruth’s mum, Diane, and all the family to see what she is going through, and it’s very distressing to talk about it.

“ But we have to give everything a try in the hope that good things do happen.”

Ruth’s family and friends are now co-ordinating a fundraising campaign through a Facebook group, A Chance for Ruth, and are focusing on a sponsored walk in Tenby on June 26th, when everyone taking part will be asked to wear purple, which is Ruth’s favourite colour.

“People are really rallying round to help raise the money, and we have all sorts of other events planned, including a raffle and a bands night,” added Helen.

Anyone who would like to help with the fundraising can visit the Facebook group or contact Helen by email at helenr2005@yahoo.co.uk.