A community is rallying round to raise money to show support for a teenager fighting a rare form of spinal cancer.

Keen sportsman Murray Watson, 18, was diagnosed with stage three spinal cancer in September.

Murray, who played for Guiseley Juniors and Otley Town FC, is undergoing treatment at Leeds General Infirmary to fight the aggressive tumour, which took away movement in his arms and legs.

The teenager’s plight has prompted a wave of support from friends and well-wishers in his home town, Guiseley. Murray, who recently completed his A Levels at Guiseley School, has asked for any money raised to be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust and the neurology ward at LGI.

A total of £1,000 was raised for the two charities last week with a hair-cutting marathon at Yazz Number One Hair Studio in Guiseley.

The salon invited customers to walk in for a free haircut from 4pm until 10pm and were then invited to make a contribution to the two charities.

It was attended by Murray’s family and many of his friends.

Organiser and salon owner Paul Shakeshaft said: “It was extremely well attended and we were moved and amazed by the generosity of our customers and donations from passers by.”

He added: “It was a really good turn-out. We had people just walking in off the street and making a donation.

“Loads of Murray’s friends supported the event – and nurses from the hospital as well. He is a local lad who has grown up in Guiseley and is a lovely lad.

“He was very keen on sports and it is just devastating what has happened to him.” A Pray for Murray site has been set up on Facebook.