POLICE officers are rallying round to support an inspirational cadet who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Ryan Twinn, 15, has been a voluntary police cadet with Essex Police for nearly two years.

He is known as an active member of the Harwich unit who has helped build community links.

He also often gets involved with projects for the town’s vulnerable residents.

But in the months leading up to Christmas, Ryan experienced a sudden growth spurt and a significant drop in weight, as well as increased facial hair and a pain in his back.

After several medical appointments, Ryan was diagnosed with malignant germ cell tumours which were then graded as stage four cancer.

Over the past few weeks, the youngster has been to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust where he is receiving chemotherapy treatment to reduce the tumours and tackle the aggressive cancer.

To help Ryan, officers are holding a fundraising quiz night for the teenager at the Park Pavilion, in Barrack Lane, Harwich, on February 28.

Tendring Community Policing Team Inspector Darren Deex said Ryan is a valuable member of the police family and officers are committed to doing everything they can to support him.

Mr Deex added: “Germ cell tumours are rare, accounting for around 3 per cent of childhood cancer registrations.

“This represents about 45 children a year in the UK and we not only want to raise a significant amount of money to support Ryan through his journey, but also to raise awareness of this form of cancer.

“On behalf of Ryan and his family I would like to take this opportunity to say how grateful they are for all of the help, support and messages they have received and how fantastic Great Ormond Street and University College London hospitals and staff have all been.”

Officers have already received significant interest in their quiz night and if anyone would like to enter a team or donate a prize to the raffle they should email PC Kirsty Lucas at Kirsty.lucas@essex.police.uk.

The quiz night is open to everyone.