FRIENDS of a young woman who battled leukaemia when she was a teenager are raising money to help re-build her confidence.

Personal trainers Emma and Ben Robinson, who run Fight Fit Combat Fitness classes in Fulford, have set out to raise £1,000 for their children’s babysitter Becka Porter, 21, to have hair extensions and take part in a beauty therapy course.

The course would teach Becka, who is now in remission from Hodgkin Lymphoma, how to complete eyelash extensions on other young women, and give her the chance to help others when their hair begins to fall out during chemotherapy.

Becka, from Wheldrake, was diagnosed with the illness when she was 19 after struggling with neck ache and itchy feet for months.

“I still struggle with anxiety because I think the Leukaemia could come back again,” said Becka, who is engaged to Chris Moss, 22, and works at Saffrons of York, in Stonegate.

“I was ill again last week and found another lump in my neck, but it was just a swollen gland and a throat infection.

“I’ve looked after Ben and Emma’s three children for five years and they decided they wanted to help me.

“I’m really grateful for them and everyone who wants to help me.

“I was quite overwhelmed by it and shocked when they told me.”

Emma told The Press how Becka’s confidence began to drain when her hair started falling out when she was treated, but it is hoped the hair extensions will give her the chance to re-gain some of the confidence she has lost fighting the disease.

“Becka got the all-clear which was the best news ever and she now wants to help girls who have lost their hair and eyelashes to get something done,” said Emma, 37, from Thorganby.

“I remember when she shaved her hair off because she was losing it.

“It was the hardest part for her because she always had long brown hair.

“We both want to help her achieve her dreams and give her a fresh start in life.”

Becka’s hair has begun to grow back and she will have the extensions put in in April when her hair is long enough.

To help sponsor Becka go to www.gofundme.com/boost-for-becka