THE community is rallying around a Barrow teen who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer last year.

Madison Elliott was just 16 when she was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer of the lymphatic system.

A collection will be taking place at Barrow AFC’s game against Forest Green Rovers on Good Friday as the club looks to do its bit to support a ‘Bluebird’s fan and his inspirational daughter’.

In the lead up to her devastating diagnosis, the Barrow Sixth Form student was referred to a specialist physiotherapist due to ‘intense back pain’.

Further tests, including blood tests, an MRI and a biopsy, confirmed the teen had cancer.

Since then, Madison has been undergoing treatment in the Teenage and Young Adult Unit at The Christie in Manchester, travelling to the hospital and back for scans, consultations, and chemotherapy.

Due to the high risk of infection involved, the family has made ‘huge’ changes to keep her safe.

This has meant that her dad no longer attends Barrow AFC matches.

“When we heard what the family are going through, we wanted to do something to try and help,” said Bluebirds General Manager, Alisha Henry.

“The way Madison has dealt with everything thrown at her during this difficult time has been nothing short of incredible and we were keen to show our support for her.”

They have teamed up with Hawcoat Park Under-8s and Under-10s who will be attending the match to carry out the collection.

Donations will be going to The Christie Charity Fund, as chosen by Madison.

She said: “Having cancer treatment as a teenager, so far away from home, is not an easy experience. But the care and attention we have had from the TYA at the Christie has been incredible.”

Her mum Emma has been blown away by the support from the community.

She said: "We would like to thank the local community and beyond for all of their support through a really difficult time. We hugely appreciate the joint effort of Barrow AFC and Barrow Police in arranging a collection for the Christie Charity.

“You do not know how much you need the support of so many people until you find yourself in the most awful of circumstances. We cannot thank everyone enough for all they have done to support Madison.”