Ayla Halewood has had rounds of chemotherapy and her leg amputated. Now she's doing everything she's ever wanted to.

Friends and family of teenager Ayla Halewood are fundraising after a rare cancer diagnosis has left her with five years to live.

Ayla grew up in Coed Hill, and lived in the Vale of Glamorgan until moving to Pontedarwe.

In June 2020, 15-year-old Ayla was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Osteosarcoma in her right knee. The tumour had grown in her bone and muscle tissue above her knee.

Only 150 people a year get diagnosed with this disease, which is mostly found in children and teenagers.

Unfortunately, intensive chemotherapy failed to cure Ayla, and in September her leg was amputated above the knee.

She continued with chemotherapy, spending three weeks every month in hospital.

In November, Ayla and her family were told that the cancer had metastasised and formed three cancerous nodules on her lungs. These nodules are growing and treatments for them are very limited.

Ayla has been given five years to live, and that's exactly what she plans to do.

"She's really incredibly positive about her diagnosis," said her step-mum Sarah Hilary-Jones.

"Ayla says it is the best thing that's ever happened to her, and that it has deepened her connection to herself.

"She's been very graceful with it; she hasn't gone into a massive depression or been sorry for herself."

Sarah described how Ayla was "up and about" the day after her leg was amputated.

"She was really dynamic and is seeing this diagnosis as a chance to intensify what she's doing to get better. She's stopped chemo, and that has made her feel better," said Sarah.

"She's got a wisdom to her that is incredible. She's stopped worrying about teenage things, or how she looks.

"She was shy before; she wouldn't sing or speak up in a group and now she does.

"It makes you realise that nothing is that important, so you should just say what you want to say and not worry about the trivial stuff," she said.

According to Sarah, Ayla's positivity is having the same effect on the family.

"It has brought us together and we've all upped our game to learn about alternative therapies and anything that could help her thrive," said Sarah.

"We've also become much more positive as a family; we lost a loved one a few years ago and I suppose we were a bit down.

"It's kick-started something in all of us to be positive and enjoy every day.

"I think the atmosphere in the house has got a lot happier, strangely," she said.

The family set up a GoFundMe page, raising money so that Ayla can do things she's always wanted to in what time she has.

Ayla has taken up knitting and will start singing lessons, but dreams of traveling and wants to scuba dive, swim with sharks and dive in the Great Barrier Reef.

Funds will also go towards a micro-processor prosthetic leg, which works on all terrains and would allow Ayla to get about more easily, ergonomic crutches that would help her cook independently, and alternative therapies to support her health.

Writing the description for the fundraiser reminded the family how much has happened in the last six months.

"It's a really quick turn around," said Sarah.

"I think maybe she got diagnosed quicker because of Covid.

"But just because the doctors say it's the end, I don't think it is the end.

"The fundraiser is to give Ayla the option to do what she wants," she said.

Since being set up a week ago, Ayla has received over £11,000 of the £50,000 goal. Sarah says the support has been incredible.

"We couldn't believe the response. I'm really blown away by the kindness of strangers, people that don't know her," said Sarah.

"A supply teacher who worked at her school for a week then went to a new job in London to a PR company.

"They didn't have their Christmas party so they had a raffle and whoever won the money could donate to a charity of their choice. He donated £1000. What an incredibly random set of circumstances.

"Even the people donating £10 don't necessarily know her but people have been inspired by her story and it really is very kind of them.

"It shows that the human spirit is still there, even though people are going through a rough time.

"She's so circumspect about the whole thing. Ayla is not willing to die, but she has this real belief that she wants to live," she said.

You can donate to Ayla's GoFundMe here