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US President Donald Trump asked by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke to donate for cancer teenager Kelly Turner

An MP has written to the world’s most powerful man to help save the life of a teenager with a rare cancer.

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke is appealing for a donation from billionaire and US President Donald Trump.

He acted after a request from stricken Kelly Turner’s dad Martin.

MP Charlie Elphicke says it is unfair for anyone to be in his position
MP Charlie Elphicke says it is unfair for anyone to be in his position

The Dover and Deal MP said “It might be a long shot – but I will do everything I can to help Kelly and her family.

“She is an incredible person and her parents Martin and Linda have fought so hard for her.

“Our community has come together in an amazing way to raise the money, but the situation is still desperate and there will be considerable costs after surgery.

“Please everyone, for the sake of this wonderful girl and her family, keep going with your efforts.”

Donald Trump. Picture: Gage Skidmore.
Donald Trump. Picture: Gage Skidmore.

Dovorian Kelly, who turned 17 last Friday, was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumours (DSRCT) in October 2015 and given two years to live.

After the NHS refused to carry out surgery, the St Edmund’s pupil’s family found a willing facility in New York – but at a cost of more than £1 million.

Fundraising efforts have since raised enough for Kelly to have surgery after her GCSE exams in June. It stands at more than £500,000 out of the total £1 million needed.

There is now enough for surgery bu the rest is needed for immunotherapy and other treatments.

Kelly Turner with mum and dad Martin and Linda last year
Kelly Turner with mum and dad Martin and Linda last year

Mr Turner said: “Working night shifts in Dover Docks, brainstorming with my colleagues, we came up with this fairly mad idea.

“I don’t think I’m being unkind to say that President Trump doesn’t have a particularly good press in the UK.

“But he is a New Yorker who grew up only a few miles from where Kelly is having surgery. He is also wealthy with considerable influence.

“Even if it doesn’t work, I want to thank everyone in the community who has helped so far.

“The response has been incredible but we still need your support. In fact, we need it more than ever.”

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