THE friends and family of a brave 18-year-old battling cancer have praised the “overwhelming” support of fundraisers.

Although Esther Greene is currently fighting back against cancer for the fourth time, her harrowing situation has not stopped her from getting a conditional offer to study at Cambridge University.

Esther is currently completing her A-levels at Colchester County High School for Girls and her courage has inspired support from hundreds of people.

Fundraiser Agness O’Brien decided to host a coffee morning to raise funds to help Esther and fulfil her wishlist which includes passing her driving test, going to her prom and spending Christmas in the snow.

Agness was left staggered by the response with the event snowballing into a fete featuring a range of stalls and activities.

Held in Feering, Coffee for Esther raised around £3,500 to add to a justgiving page which currently stands at £4,355.

Agness, from Colchester, said: “Esther has been fighting cancer since the age of three and is the most courageous young lady I know.

“I was blown away by the response to the fundraiser, it was a real success.”

Esther, from Tolleshunt D’Arcy, was first diagnosed when she was just three-years-old but responded to the treatment and was given the all clear.

But by the age of five, the cancer returned, with Esther suffering tumours in her spine.

Despite heavy damage to her spine, Esther fought back again and remained cancer free for ten years.

Her family thought the worst was over but unfortunately it was not to be.

While undertaking a scan before an operation on her spine, doctors found the cancer had returned for a third time when Esther had just turned 16.

After a tough 12 weeks of proton therapy in America, Esther was once again given the all clear.

But around a month ago, Esther received the devastating news the cancer had returned for a fourth time.

Best friend and fellow student Helena Hicks, 19, said: “The prognosis isn’t good, but Esther has kicked this disease’s ugly butt three times already.

“Who is to say that she can’t do it a fourth time?

“My friends and I often tell her how brave she is because Esther is insane. Not once has she complained or questioned ‘Why me?’ “Putting others before herself, she has been relentless in the past month - in fact, all of the time.

“She is kind-hearted, caring, funny and the most thoughtful person I know.

“Her amazing Christian faith has kept her and her family – two sisters, a brother, and her parents – strong through these dark times showing there is light even in the most horrendous circumstances.”

To help with Esther’s treatment and wishlist, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/esthergreene.