A big thank you has gone out to generous Peterborough people who have ensured the success of an appeal to help a teenager's fight against cancer.

Family and friends of 17-year-old Demi Gilbert, a student at Peterborough College, say they have been left overwhelmed at the response of the public.

A gofundme page was set up recently to help Demi and her family to meet the variety of costs for her care.

In just a matter of days, the appeal, launched by her teacher Ammar Qadeer with a target of £5,000, has reached £5,152.

Ammar said: “Having spent time speaking with Demi's family, I know they're incredibly appreciative of everyone who has shared the story and donated and have been overwhelmed with the support shown.

He said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support in sharing Demi's story, without those who shared and donated it would not have been possible to support Demi's journey.

"The support that has been received in this past week has shown the power of people and how quickly people will come together to support those who may need it.

“I am so pleased for Demi and her family and hope they are able to have an easier time and make many family memories with the funds that were raised.

Appeal launched to help a Peterborough youngster's fight against cancer

Ammar added: “The fundraiser will stay open for a couple of more days before closing, we were not expecting to reach the target but are genuinely grateful for doing it and so quickly.”

Demi is fighting an aggressive melanoma after what was thought to be a benign mole in early 2025 began to change.

Despite intensive surgery, scans have revealed the cancer has spread to her lungs, liver and bloodstream.

She underwent her first surgery last October but new symptoms appeared and she was told that she had melanoma.

She underwent a nine hour operation in January to remove multiple tumors from her head and 98 lymph nodes from her neck, requiring a skin graft from her leg.

But the cancer has been aggressive and last month Demi was told that scans have revealed the cancer had travelled into her lungs, liver, and bloodstream.

Now Demi is about to begin the highest dose of immunotherapy.