ONE of the world's biggest football clubs has pledged its support for 14-year-old Rhya Story, from Greenhead, who has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour
Italian giants AC Milan are the first professional club to contact organisers behind the #Heart4Rhya campaign and pledge to make hearts with their hands for a team photograph in support of the Haltwhistle United U16 Girls player.
Rhya is currently being treated at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
The #Heart4Rhya campaign has also caught the eye of Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer, while Port Vale goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, who hails from Tynedale, has been spreading its message on social media.
At grassroots level there's been overwhelming support too for the teenager, with members of Hexham and District Sunday League and Tynedale Mini Soccer vowing to get their team pictures taken at the weekend, as have those participating in the Pin Point Recruitment Northumberland Girls League in which Rhya plays.
And teams from across the country have thrown their weight behind the campaign, pledging to line up for pictures prior to their games this coming weekend.
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