AN inspirational teenager suffering from an incurable form of leukaemia is calling on Herefordshire residents to raise £10,000 for a blood cancer charity.

Alex Naylor, 19, says the onslaught of the condition means he hasn't the time to follow in the footsteps of national treasure Stephen Sutton who raised almost £5 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust during a series of fundraisers before his death in May this year.

But the Presteigne resident says he wants people to dig deep for his chosen charity - Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

"The rapid progress of the disease hasn’t offered me the time to fundraise like the inspirational teenager Stephen Sutton did," said Mr Naylor.

"Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is my chosen charity as it needs every penny to carry on with the outstanding work it does to ensure blood cancer no longer devastates families like mine.

"So please dig deep, be generous and donate or fundraise."

Mr Naylor was diagnosed with T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was just 12 years-old but doctors only discovered his condition was incurable two months ago, just before he was due to start a nursing course at university.

He has previously undergone chemotherapy at both Birmingham Children's Hospital and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The side effects from this treatment has prevented the youngster from carrying out his hobbies of walking and camping as part of the Scout movement.

But he was determined to maintain a normal childhood and soon found a love for both horse riding and sailing.

Academically, he remained strong and, despite three-and-a-half years of chemotherapy, he achieved excellent GCSE and A-Level results, allowing him to gain the university place at Birmingham University.

Sadly, just before this year's August Bank Holiday weekend he relapsed with further chemotherapy failing to work.

“We are constantly inspired by the stories of those fundraising for us and the dedication of our supporters like Alex and his family," said Emma Jones, Midlands fundraising manager for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

"Alex’s decision to spend his precious time raising money for our charity to help beat blood cancer has touched so many people.

"The money raised will not only help improve the lives of others and increase the profile of our work, but it will also leave a lasting legacy of a truly inspirational young man.”

Anyone wishing to help him reach his £10,000 target should visit justgiving.com/alex-naylors-page