A BARRY school has rallied to support a teenager who will undergo revolutionary proton beam therapy in the USA after having a brain tumour removed.

St Helen’s RC junior school took part in a 24-hour cycle-a-thon to help staff member Hannah Isherwood travel to America with her daughter, Mary.

The 13-year-old was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma in March 2014, and, after a 14-hour operation this year, needs three-month-long specialised radiotherapy in either Florida or Oklahoma this summer.

The school raised an amazing £4,705 for the cause, which also hopes to fly Mary's dad and sisters out to America with her.

Altogether, supporters have so far raised almost £14,000 in support.

The teen was monitored for two years after her diagnosis, before neurosurgeons removed her tumour in March.

Now, Mary is preparing to have have the proton beam therapy, which suitable for children and being funded by the NHS.

The treatment is said to minimise potential damage to healthy surrounding tissue, and reduce the risk of developing a secondary cancer later in life.

Mary's mum, Hannah, said vomiting and headaches indicated something was wrong with Mary initially.

After a CT scan identified a tumour, Mary had to take 16 tablets a day, before the tumour showed growth signs and neurosurgery was arranged.

Her mum added of the surgery: “That was awful. We didn't get to see her until 3am after leaving her at 9am the previous day.”

But medics were pleased with how the procedure went.

Mary will have 30 sessions of proton beam therapy, before returning home.

The teen, who plays netball and enjoys riding and caring for horses, said: “I’m nervous, but excited to get the whole brain tumour thing gone. I just want it all to be done and I’ll be happy to be back in school.”

Mary's uncle and aunts are also set to walk 25km across London to raise more money this Saturday (May 21).

They have raised £1,790 already.

To support them search https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Walking-for-Mary