STAFF at a building society are raising funds in support of a girl battling a rare form of cancer.

Eleven-year-old Gaby Alderson, who lives near Northallerton, was diagnosed in September with neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification.

Her mother Vicki Alderson, a former North Yorkshire Police project manager, said that after her daughter displayed low energy levels, a subsequent scan at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton revealed a mass on her abdomen.

Further tests confirmed she had the aggressive and rare cancer which affects only a few children in the UK annually, alongside secondary cancers in her bones.

Her mother, originally from Darlington, is now trying to raise £500,000 to fund treatment for her daughter, a pupil at South Otterington Primary School.

The money would be used to fund treatment abroad unavailable on the NHS, should Gaby relapse.

Staff at Darlington Building Society’s Northallerton branch are showing support by raising funds for the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Alliance.

It helps families affected by childhood cancer by supporting access to treatment, research and raising awareness.

Staff donated more than £200 to the charity from their annual community support allowance and invited customers to take part in a Guess the Celebrity scratch card game.

Manager Kayleigh Turner said: “After hearing about Gabrielle’s brave battle with cancer, we wanted to do something to show our support.

“We hope the money raised contributes to continuing the fantastic work that the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Alliance does in supporting families and those battling this terrible disease.”