A community is rallying round to support a Rainworth teenager facing a long fight against cancer.

Seventeen-year-old Ezmay Usher was diagnosed with muscle cancer in her pelvis in November, which has since spread to her lungs, after being rushed to hospital in severe pain.

Now friends have organised a GoFundMe page — www.gofundme.com/f/ezmays-cancer-journey — and fundraising events to support the brave teenager and her family, including her mum, Emma Usher, and four brothers.

Ezmay, who is documenting her experience in a blog on Facebook page Ezmay’s Journey — www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570140635141 — is an apprentice chef at community-orientated cafe Patchills Pantry in Mansfield.

Owner James Perry launched the fundraising page that has already raised thousands of pounds.

In January, a charity football match at Joseph Whitaker School in the village and an event at The Sherwood Pub in Rainworth added £4,233.21 to the fund, which is totalling thousands of pounds.

Afterwards Ezmay said: “What an amazing day. Thank you, each and every one of you, for everything you did to help raise so much money.”

The match between Sherwood FC and Rainworth Pythons men’s team was followed by fundraising at the pub, Landlords Laura and Steve Carr thanked the community for coming together, saying: “Ezmay, you are an absolute inspiration. You have an army of supporters with you on this journey.”

They also thanked the two football teams and young mascots, Patchills Pantry which provided food for the event, Mark and Tracey Buttery, Karen Davis, and all the businesses and people who donated towards a large raffle, as well as staff at the pub and everyone who helped.

Patchills Pantry owner James, who set up the business with his wife, Kate, said the cancer diagnosis for Ezmay had been devastating.

“We are really close and have known each other for a long time, so we are right behind her, all the way.

“The community has shown positivity for Ezmay and we are trying to raise as much as we can for her and her family.

“I have never known anyone be able to do as much as Ezmay for someone her age. In my 27 year career in the hospitality industry I have never come across or had the pleasure to mentor and work side by side with such a talented, hard working person as Ezmay.

“We want to try to raise enough money to help Ezmay, her mum, and family to make lasting memories for them all in these incredibly difficult times.”

He said the apprentice chef had a bright future ahead of her in the industry ad they had spoken numerous times about her aspirations of opening her own restaurant.