by Staff Writer
Friday, 8th August 2025
A West Ham United-supporting family are seeking the help of fellow fans after their daughter was diagnosed with a rare and particularly dangerous type of cancer.
Lexi Collins, who is just 13, had been living a normal teenage life until just a few weeks ago when she was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a type of cancer that originates in bones and soft tissues and develops from the cells lining blood vessels.
Lexi with her father Stuart in happier times
The disease is so rare that, on average, just 164 cases of angiosarcoma are diagnosed every year in England - with the average age of a patient being 71, which makes Lexi's an even more unique case.
Since her diagnosis in June, she has already undergone open-heart surgery - in which doctors performed a debulking biopsy and fitted her with a permanent pacemaker - plus a first cycle of chemotherapy, with many more treatments, tests, and scans to come.
And even though the NHS are doing a great job of treating Lexi's symptoms, it is thought her best chance of beating the disease and leading a full, healthy life lies with treatment in the Unites States - which is where her fellow Hammers fans can help.
"Her medical team has been absolutely amazing," said Lexi's Mum Louise. "They’re even consulting with specialist doctors in the USA who have experience treating this rare cancer. There may be options for treatment abroad that could give Lexi the best possible chance and we will seek and exhaust every option, as a parent that’s our main priority - but these treatments can come at a huge cost.
"That’s why we’re asking for help to raise funds to cover the enormous expenses that come with this fight. Every single donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Please help us give Lexi the best shot at beating this awful disease."
As mentioned by Louise, a fund-raiser has been created in order to raise the initial £35,000 costs of travel and treatment for Lexi - and with £20,000 of that having already been raised in the first two weeks of the appeal, the family are well on their way to securing the necessary funds to make the next step.
However in order to fulfil their goal they require a little extra help to get over the line - so if you would like to contribute to the GoFundMe appeal and help Lexi receive the best treatment possible, you may visit her GoFundMe here.
Alternatively, for just £5 you may buy a ticket to win a signed Trevor Brooking shirt, with all proceeds going to Lexi's appeal fund - although you'll have to be quick, as the draw takes place on Friday afternoon.
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