UK local paper the Bracknell News is using its multimedia skills to back a fundraising campaign for a local woman with cancer.

Lesley Webb, 51, was diagnosed with the malignant brain tumour in September last year and has since had an operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy all without success. A fund has been set up in her name to raise money so she can receive treatment in America.

The News’ video will be distributed and promoted using all of the paper’s social media links, including Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, with the aim of securing donations of £1 from 250,000 people.

According to a press release, the paper has already raised £20,000.

Lesley Webb, 51, was diagnosed with the malignant brain tumour in September last year and has since had an operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy all without success.

“This is the first time the Bracknell News has embarked on something like this,” Rebecca Johnson, editor of the Bracknell News, told Journalism.co.uk in an email.

“In this instance, the strength, closeness and raw emotion of the family was best shown by video rather than any other medium – the quotes we had in the story were moving, but seeing them speak in person is much more affecting, lifting it to a new level.

“Let’s face it, you’d have to have the coldest of hearts not to be touched by the people speaking and want to help.”