Lydia is on her way to Mexico

The young Swindon Town fan is jetting out to Mexico today for the cancer treatment she hopes will transform her life.

More than £45,000 has flooded into the fundraising appeal which was set up to raise the necessary funds for the trip.

Since Lydia's story first appeared in the Advertiser last month, the appeal has simply snowballed. The target was £20,000 but that was surpassed in just over a month.

The teenager from Chippenham had successfully battled against bone cancer only to be told she had developed tumours in her lungs.

Surgeons told the family that further chemotherapy and radiotherapy would be needed, but Lydia decided enough was enough. The treatment for her bone cancer left her weak, nauseous and virtually destroyed her immune system.

She said: "I just thought I can't go through all that again."

The family turned their attention to finding alternative therapy for Lydia.

A Mexican clinic will aim to fight Lydia's cancer by intravenously feeding her a high dosage of vitamin B17.

Parents Howard and Sue are delighted with the response from the Swindon public.

"It has been overwhelming. Lydia has promised to write and thank everyone who supplied their address."

As well as individual donations, sponsored events and pub collections, the family has been treated like royalty by Swindon's ice hockey team, as guests of honour, and Swindon Town have offered to make Lydia mascot for a game on her return.

With so much money having been raised in such a short time, the family has already vowed the excess cash will help others.

An information website will be set up, offering hope to families in similar positions.

The Lydia's Legacy Trust Fund will also be set up, to provide funds for those like Lydia.

Mr Harding said: "Lydia has been so positive. I think her smile in the paper has just captured the imagination of people."

The family will fly to Los Angeles before making their way into Mexico for the treatment they hope will provide Lydia with fresh hope.