CROSS Hills barber Chris Riley has vowed to fight his illness “100%” after a shock diagnosis of stage 4 stomach cancer.

The 28-year-old snipper, known as Riley to his customers at Hardrock Barbers, is helping his family raise money for the best care and treatment.

They will be investigating cutting-edge treatments at home and abroad after Chris was told he might live for only another two years.

A gofundme page set up by Chris’s brother Alex this week with a £5,000 target, raised £25,000 in its first two days including huge donations from local businesses.

Chris, who is engaged to childhood sweetheart Elle, was diagnosed this month following an endoscopy and CT scan, and is preparing for chemotherapy.

Keen cyclist and musician Chris was this week described by his family as a vibrant and positive young man, and a funny, kind and loyal individual.

They said: “He has a heart of gold and is loved by so many. His forever positive outlook on life and the support offered by so many will push him through.  

“Chris is a fighter and champion and is taking inspiration from fellow cyclist Lance Armstrong who beat advanced testicular cancer which had spread to his lungs and brain.

“This is Chris’s biggest challenge, an uphill cycle against the wind, but his family and the whole community are right behind him, supporting every ‘push of his pedals’, as we prepare for the ups and downs along the journey, and the destination towards full-health.”

Chris has played bass guitar in several bands alongside brother Alex, 27, and the pair also enjoy fishing and cycling together.

As part of the fundraising campaign Alex and friends will do a sponsored cycle ride of 30 miles per 30 days. Local delicatessen Thorntons will hold a cake sale on Monday August 24.

These events will boost the “overwhelming” support of people in South Craven villages through donations, fundraising events and sharing details.

Chris’s siblings Alex and Lois, grandparents, fiancée Elle, mum Mandy and stepdad Richard said they would remain strong for each other.

They added: “If you’ve had the pleasure of a hair cut from ‘Riley’ or have cycled and laughed along with him, please give generously for the ‘Life of Riley’.”

Chris said the campaign would be a huge team effort, and he would be “fighting 100% and not giving the cancer a chance”.

He added: “Each person that has donated and offered their support has done their part for me, now it’s time to do my bit.

“My family have been absolutely amazing and so have my friends. I couldn’t ask to be surrounded by a better and more supportive group of people and I love you all!”

Chris's younger sister Lois is donating all her pocket each week to the fund, while mum Mandy, a learning mentor at Glusburn Primary School, says she is proud of her son's positivity, strength and commitment to beating cancer.

Visit gofundme.com/f/2utjnb-help-chris-fight-cancer to support the campaign.