Football Community Rallies Around Teenager with Inoperable Brain Tumour
Dozens of young footballers have shown their heartfelt support for 14-year-old Rhya Story, who is undergoing treatment for an inoperable brain tumour. Rhya, a keen Manchester United supporter and player for Haltwhistle under 15s girls, has touched the hearts of the football community with her bravery and determination. As she remains in the High Dependency Unit of the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, her team-mates have come together to show their support, posing for photographs and sharing them on social media using the hashtag #heart4rhya.
Key Takeaways:
- Dozens of young footballers from Haltwhistle under 15s girls and other junior teams have posed for photographs to show their support for Rhya Story.
- The photographs, which feature players making a heart shape with their hands, have been shared on social media using the hashtag #heart4rhya.
- Former Newcastle United and England hero Alan Shearer has joined in, posing for a picture to support the appeal.
- Kirsty Hutton, owner of a cafe in Hexham where Rhya's mother works, set up the Facebook appeal and has encouraged other teams to participate.
- Rhya, a keen footballer, has been battling her illness with courage and determination, singing the song "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten, which has inspired her family and supporters.
- Rhya's friends and family are hoping for a strong response to the appeal, with the goal of showing the teenager that she is not alone and that the football community is behind her.
Statistics:
- Age of Rhya Story: 14
- Location: Greenhead, Northumberland
- Hospital: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle
- Team: Haltwhistle under 15s girls
- Number of footballers showing their support: dozens
- Hashtag: #heart4rhya
Sources:
- Kirsty Hutton, cafe owner in Hexham
- Alan Shearer, former Newcastle United and England hero
- Facebook appeal set up by Kirsty Hutton