A TRUST formed by a former Guiseley resident to help cancer patients fund life-saving treatment is about to receive a big boost... from one of her oldest friends.

Skipton resident Hayley Reeves is running this weekend's Harrogate 10k Great Run in support of her childhood friend, Rachel Carrack.

Rachel, who has two young children, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer, Cholangio Carcinoma, two years ago, shortly after the birth of her second child.

She went to the doctor with what she thought was back pain and was prescribed Paracetamol, but following trips to A&E, a scan revealed a tumour in her pancreas and bile ducts.

Rachel, originally from Guiseley and now living in Baildon, was offered palliative care by the NHS and told to prepare her husband and children for the worst.

But she and her family were determined to fight, researched every possible alternative, and with the financial help of her parents, she was able to have life-saving private treatment in Frankfurt, Germany.

The treatment has proven successful, with blood tests repeatedly showing the tumour shrinking in size and away from other vital organs.

But in order to help those unable to fund their own treatment, she has set up the Love Hope Trust charity.

"What would have happened if Rachel's parents weren't able to support the treatment financially, and what happens to people who don’t have this type of support – these are questions Rachel worried about, and what inspired the charity Love Hope Trust," said Hayley.

"The Love Hope Trust was founded by Rachel and aims to fund treatment for patients who are unable to afford life-saving treatment. Rachel does not benefit from the funds raised, it all goes to other cancer patients who require financial assistance."

The charity has already funded some treatments for patients and hopes to be able to fund more, with the help of donations.

Hayley added: "I made a promise to myself and, more importantly, to Rachel, that I would help in whatever way I could. As her friend that's been through emotional support, trying to keep her busy, meeting up, staying positive and smiling – I said I'd do something to raise money and I am."

People can support Hayley in Sunday's Harrogate 10k and donate to the charity at the lovehope-trust.org website.