Inter Millan's former Manchester United footballer Ashley Young has sent a personal message of support backing brave Hattie Brattan and the Hitchin Belles fundraiser.

The kind message has been a big boost for the courageous seven-year-old and the Belles who have been busy fundraising for her, as she fights a rare form of cancer.

Hattie's fight, as well as unstinting support from all at the Belles, not to mention a large amount of celebrity well-wishers, has seen nearly £15,000 raised already - all of which greatly impressed former Red Devil Young, now plying his trade for Serie A giants Inter.

Filmed with an Italian backdrop, kind-hearted Young said: "Hi everyone, it's Ashley Young. I just want to send my best wishes to Hattie, the Hitchin Belles Football Club and everyone who's been involved with the Rainbow appeal.

"What an amazing and outstanding achievement you've done. You should all be proud of yourselves because it's unbelievable what you've achieved.

'Hopefully once the pandemic slows and we're able to get back watching football again, I'll be able to come down and watch the girls - but I just wanted to send you my regards and best wishes on an amazing achievement."

Young, from Stevenage, joins a raft of celebrities and footballers backing the Belles and brave Hattie.

Last week England Women and Manchester City Women's captain Steph Houghton invited Hattie and the Belles to watch a game.

The inspiring seven-year-old has started yet another round of chemo, but the inspiring youngster is already looking forward to the day when she can play for Hitchin Belles FC.

The 32-year-old Houghton, a former Arsenal centre-back who scored three goals in four games for Great Britain during the 2012 London Olympics also praised Hattie and the Belles.

She said: "I just want to send a message to everyone at Hitchin Belles Football Club. I've heard everything that you've been doing for Hattie's Rainbow Challenge and I think it's absolutely amazing.

"A big congratulations to everyone and I hope to see you at one of our games soon. Once we've all got back to normal we'll get you free tickets to watch a Man City game at the Academy Stadium.

"Until then good luck and keep on doing what you're doing and we'll. hopefully see you soon."

Hitchin Belles responded by saying: "Thank you so much to Steph Houghton for your message, we can't wait to be able to come and watch Man City Women but until then we will continue to put in the miles for Hattie's [fundraiser]."

Hattie's story

The news will give a lift to Hattie and her family and friends supporting her through chemo after previous bouts including proton beam therapy in Manchester, before a year of maintenance chemotherapy.

Hattie has captured the hearts of so many after her sad plight was highlighted by the Belles who wanted to take part in a fundraiser to boost research into her illness.

The youngster has received numerous messages of support from big names as well as being given a new kit by the club for the day she can play for them.

In a message sent to the Belles after they kindly sent her a new strip, she said: "Hi, it's Hattie, I'm feeling better and I really want to [play for] the Hitchin Belles after lockdown.

"I really like my kit and thank you to all the people who are still running and walking [to fundraise]."

Hattie's message comes after current Premier League champions Liverpool sent their best wishers to her.

The Kop giants led by Jurgen Klopp gave Hattie Brattan a boost after she started on her tenth bout of chemotherapy battling rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer.

A letter sent to the Belles from the world famous Anfield outfit said: "To Hitchin Belles Football Club good luck.

"Best wishes from all the players and staff at Liverpool Football Club."

Celebrities boost Hattie and the Belles

20 well-known names from the world of showbiz, music and sport have hailed courageous Hattie Brattan and the Belles.

The list includes Joe Wicks, Guillem Balague, Paul Whitehouse, Russell Kane, Shane Richie, Victoria Derbyshire, Giovanna Fletcher, Jordan North, Jessica Plummer, Vernon Kay, Colleen Nolan, Tore Andre Flo, Gary Chivers, Russell Watson, Ruthie Henshall, Beverley Callard, Suggs, Bobby George, Since September and Molly Mae.

Hattie - Hitchin's brave Belle

Hattie, aged seven, lives with her sister, Ellie, brother George, mum Helen and dad Paul in the town, and has been fighting rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer.

Family and friends have supported Hattie through nine rounds of chemotherapy, as well as proton beam therapy in Manchester, before a year of maintenance chemotherapy.

The Hitchin youngster has faced her battle with determination and dignity while being treated at various hospitals including London's Great Ormond Street and Addenbrookes in Cambridge, after starting her tenth round of chemo this month.

Bilbao to Baku

Inspired by her courage, coaches and girls from club agreed to run or walk 3,430 miles, starting this week, for four weeks, with the intention to raise funds for Hattie, and help her brave battle.

The precise figure relates to the furthest distance between stadiums at Euro 2021, which is set to take place across the continent - from the Azerbajian capital Baku to Bilbao, in the Basque country of northern Spain.

Celebrities send their messages

Former Eastenders star Richie said: "A big shout out to the Hitchin Belles who have embarked on a walk to raise money for Hattie's Rainbow of Hope."

The star, who was wearing the famous hat he wore in I'm a Celebrity, then asked for Hattie for a virtual kiss, adding: "I wish you all the best and I hope you raise lots of money. A big kiss to the Hitchin Belles."

The star also promised to come and watch the Belles once the pandemic is over, adding: "After West Ham, I can't think of another team [I'd rather watch] and one day when we come out of this nightmare I'll come and support you.

"Good luck guys, take care."

Hattie and the all girls undertaking the challenge have already received motivational videos from Joe Wicks and Guillem Balague - along with comedians Paul Whitehouse and Russell Kane.

Organiser and Belles coach, Jeremy Wood said: "We really appreciate the support.

"We sent the video to Hattie's family and they were amazed by the interest and said they were really thankful for the support."

At the time of writing the cash the Belles have raised has smashed through the £12,000 barrier in only a week, with the fundraiser set to last for a month.

The girls and their coaches have already run 2,800 miles - 82 per cent of their target - and are set to add to their original challenge, so watch this space!

To donate

All funds raised from by Hitchin Belles 'Baku to Bilbao' challenge go to the wider 'Hattie's Rainbow of Hope Appeal' via the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

The much-needed cash will go into rhabdomyosarcoma research as well as kinder and more effective treatments for youngsters battling the disease.

Donate here

Read Hitchin Nub News as we chart the progress of the Hitchin Belles in their bid to boost brave Hattie