A COMMUNITY is clubbing together to help a young cancer sufferer seek alternative treatment abroad.

Leala Milleare, of Arnold Road, Clacton, has undergone six weeks of unsuccessful chemotherapy.

The 29-year-old was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October last year and had a radical hysterectomy.

She thought she was all clear, but results of a routine blood test this autumn revealed her liver was showing signs of distress.

Further investigation showed the cancer was in her liver and lungs.

She has lost faith in chemotherapy following the latest failure and has booked into a clinic in Germany in January for six weeks of alternative treatment.

A further eight weeks of treatment could follow.

“I’m not very good at the moment,” said Leala.

“The chemotherapy I’ve been having for the last six weeks has not touched the tumours at all. It hasn’t worked.

“I’m still positive – I’ve got to be.

“There is a cure out there and it’s just a matter of finding it.”

Leala’s friends are a long way from giving up, too.

They raised nearly £7,000 at a fundraising event at the Plough in Great Clacton, one of a number of money-spinners they have organised. The next is a fundraiser at Fibbers nightclub in Clacton, on Sunday.

The Marine Parade West venue will give the £5 ticket value, the takings from the cloakroom and a donation – because the organisers are providing DJs – to Leala’s cause.

“It’s been unbelievable,” said Kate Thompson, who has known Leala since she was 13.

“The websites, the night at the Plough and the other events have gone better than we could have imagined.

“The businesses, friends and residents who have supported her are keeping her happy.”

For more information about fundraising events, including an auction, which includes Duffy and Will Young tickets, visit www.loveforleala.com

  • See Leala's message to other women in today's Gazette