A TEENAGE fitness fan has raised more than £8,000 for charity – just weeks after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Champion kickboxer Fraser Riach-Shaw, 17, would regularly go to the gym but found himself suffering from pain in his leg.

Initially, doctors thought it was a muscular issue and then a problem with his back, before blood tests showed it was Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

He said: “I was in quite a lot of pain and they thought it was to do with my hamstring. Then I went to see a physiotherapist and they thought it was my back.

“I went away and then I could not sleep one night. I had taken two more paracetamol than I should have and they took me into hospital for safety and precautions.

“I got my blood tests done and it was Ewing sarcoma.”

The rare type of cancer affects bones, or tissues around bones, and it mainly affects children and young people, with most cases diagnosed in people aged between 10 and 20.

Symptoms can include bone pain, which can be worse at night, tiredness, weight loss and a fever that will not go away.

The former Dunbar Grammar School pupil underwent an MRI and CT scan, which confirmed the news that it was cancer.

Fraser said: “It was just a shock.

“You are never prepared to be told something like that.

“It was a complete shock and you never expect it in anyone my age.”

Since the diagnosis eight weeks ago, Fraser, who left the secondary school last year, has been undergoing chemotherapy at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, in Edinburgh.

A six-month cycle of chemotherapy is planned before three months of radiotherapy.

Fraser has received messages of support from Celtic Football Club’s Scott Brown and Leigh Griffiths, as well as former Parkhead favourite John Hartson, and is keen to give back to the hospital and its Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

Already, he has shaved his head, with friends of his doing the same to show their support.

Initially, Fraser, who is in his first year as a welding apprentice, set a modest fundraising target of £500.

He said: “I did not ever really think anything of it. I thought I would raise some money but I thought it would make £500.

“I thought I would see what I can do but here we are, over £8,000; it’s crazy.”

Friends and family have got behind the campaign, with a family friend doing her own fundraising and collecting nearly £1,000.

His former school is also involved, with PE teachers Ellie Galbraith and Gillian Carnie encouraging people to get active during lockdown and support the cause.

A fundraising initiative ‘Dunbar to Troon in June’ – a distance of 97.8 miles – has been set, with everyone challenged to cover the distance by the end of the month, whether walking, jogging, running, cycling or rowing.

The members of school staff said: “Fraser has shown such compassion and ambition towards raising money for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and we want to raise funds on his behalf and help him reach his targets. We had hoped for a few learners and members of staff to get on board with the challenge.

“However, since day one we have been astounded with the support and enthusiasm we have received.

“Not only have the learners really engaged in this challenge, but the uptake from staff and wider community has been incredible!

“The news is spreading rapidly, with friends and family taking part all over the country.”

Fraser, who lives in Dunbar, would regularly attend the Platinum Performance Centre, run by multiple Tae Kwon Do champion, and fellow former Dunbar Grammar School pupil, Brad Robertson.

Brad wished his friend all the best and described his fundraising efforts as “absolutely phenomenal”.

He said: “We will be getting a fundraiser arranged as soon as we can get back to normal.

“He is a cracking lad and it is a real shame.

“He won the WKA Scottish International Championship in Novice 70kg and he was getting into it.

“It is a shame for him but I’ve no doubt he will get through it and he has got the support of not just myself but everybody at the gym.”

To support the charity, go to www.gofundme.com/f/h3ta4-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help