THE family of a teenage footballer are two thirds of the way to their £90,000 target to pay for pioneering cancer treatment not available on the NHS.

Teddie Marks was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, called rhabdomyosarcoma, in January 2022. 

He was declared cancer-free after undergoing six months of gruelling chemotherapy and proton beam therapy. 

After his successful treatment, he rejoined the Rayne Youth U18 football team and helped them reach the cup final. 

Unfortunately, Teddie, now 18,  relapsed in February and had to undergo more chemotherapy and an operation.

His team dedicated the cup to him, which he was able to collect after they were victorious in the final. 

Seven months later, the cancer stopped responding to the treatment.

Teddie was told the devastating news there was no further treatment available on the NHS, leaving him and his family heartbroken. 

But he was given hope by a pioneering treatment, dendritic cell therapy, where a vaccine supports the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. 

This innovative procedure comes at the cost of £90,000 and friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page, to help Teddie receive the treatment. 

So far, the page has raised more than £64,000 and his football club is to hold a charity match between parents and coaches, as well as a fundraising day at Rayne Village Hall on October 21. 

Prior to the match, a blind auction is raising money to boost funds, with donations and services from local businesses. 

The auction is set for October 13 at The Eagle, in Braintree, and the prizes include a boiler service, window cleaning and 'Cage Rage' tickets. 

Manager Jacqui Loxley has offered the lounge bar for the auction. 

She said: “Our lounge bar is always free of charge to use, and I thought it would be ideal for them, hopefully getting our regulars and followers on Facebook involved to help raise awareness. 

“We like to help and support local charities and by offering our area and advertising for them, we hope it helps in some small way.”