LAURA Barry (24) from Limerick, a former apprentice to trainer Richard Fahey, has been leff left with paralysis in her left leg from the hip downwards by a rare cancer. Laura used to ride out for Limerick trainer Eric McNamara in Rathkeal, Co Limerick.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Laura by her friend and fellow jockey Gemma Tutty. Laura is seriously ill in Wellington Hospital in London after being diagnosed with a rare form of nerve cancer for the second time.

The GoFundMe appeal went live on Monday, with jump jockey Brian Hughes pledging £1,000 to start the fund and after just 24 hours over £23,000 has been raised.

After experiencing severe pain in her left leg last year, Laura was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that attacks the nerve ducts of the spine and nervous system.

Although the tumour was treated, a second tumour was discovered in November.

Laura moved from Limerick to Yorkshire in 2010 to continue her racing career.

Her riding career highlights include representing Ireland in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Apprentice Series in San Francisco, and winning the Prolinx Ladies Silver Championship for the highest strike rate in a season.

Gemma Tutty explained: “The nerve pain in Laura’s leg and foot was increasing daily and the cause heartbreakingly, was another tumour on the L5 nerve duct.

“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.”