A FUNDRAISING campaign for Laura Barry, a former Malton jockey who has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive nerve cancer, has smashed its £30,000 target in just six days.

Laura, 24, who is currently seriously ill in Wellington Hospital in London, is a former apprentice to Malton racehorse trainer Richard Fahey.

The campaign, which went live last Monday on website GoFundMe, leapt to £23,000 in just 24 hours after substantial pledges by jump jockey Brian Hughes and Richard Fahey.

Laura moved from Limerick in Ireland to England in 2010, to pursue a career in the saddle.

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.

Mr Fahey, who trained Laura two years ago, said: “She was apprentice jockey to me for a few seasons. She was a very popular girl with everyone and had a great work ethic.”

To support the campaign, visit gofundme.com/laurabarry