THE twin sister of a woman who was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of liver cancer has been "amazed" at the community response to her plea for support.

Rhiannon Sackville-Wiggins was devastated to learn of her twin sister Amanda’s diagnosis last March, just two days after they celebrated their 21st birthdays.

The cancer in Amanda’s liver had also spread to her lungs and surrounding lymph nodes.

Amanda has been told that there is no specific treatment for the condition, called fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, because it is so rare.

Rhiannon says that her sister is one of only around 200 cases of the disease worldwide.

Following the diagnosis, Rhiannon described it as "devastating for both of us" adding that she and Amanda speak every day "and are very close".

Doctors have recommended an expensive form of immunotherapy treatment for Amanda but this cannot be funded by the National Health Service.

This led to Rhiannon kick-starting a £100,000 fundraising campaign last year, with events so far including a fun day at The Rockware club.

So far they have just crossed over the halfway mark with more than £53,000 raised.

Rhiannon, who lives on Borough Road, is continuing to appeal for help to fund Amanda's treatment.

"Amanda is going okay, all the scans have shown that everything is stable," said Rhiannon, who works at Tesco Extra on the Linkway.

"She is currently working at the Clayton Square store but is moving to the Old Swan store once the Clayton Square one closes.

"We have raised £53,034 so far. We have to raise £100,000.

"The response has been amazing. The whole family have appreciated any support."