The brave 18-year-old was taken into intensive care at Leeds’ St James’ Hospital with breathing problems and is fighting off a catalogue of infections following chemotherapy to shrink tumours in her brain and neck.

Her devastated mum Janine Wadsworth said: “The day Deana went into intensive care doctors said she could die at any minute.

“I’m terrified, but she’s a fighter and things look more promising now but it will be a while before she comes home.”

Deana’s plight has inspired members of Airedale’s Wraparound Community Action Group to launch an appeal to help refurbish the house on Henson Grove where Deana will live with partner Martin Gill and their children Harvey, one, and Charlie, four months.

Offers of furnishings and donations have already flooded in from around the country.

Janine, of Kershaw Avenue, Airedale, added: “It’s fantastic, I can’t believe people have given so much.

“I want to thank everybody who’s helped and know Deana will do too.”

Group member Paul McCormick said: “I’ve been in tears taking the calls. The house is a shell but we want everything in place for when Deana returns.

“People coming together like this shows the true meaning of community.”

Doctors discovered former Airedale High School pupil Deana’s tumours in February.

Weeks later she began treatment at St James’, moving to intensive care two weeks ago.

Janine said: “Deana kept seeing the GP but they just gave her antibiotics or painkillers.

“In February she visited me and didn’t even look like my little girl. She could hardly walk or speak and had lost three stones in weight.

“I took her straight to hospital and since then she’s had infection after infection.

“Deana is so caring and absolutely adores her babies – we just want her better.”

l The Wraparound group is hosting a fundraising night for Deana – with raffle and entertainment including Welsh songstress Emilie – on Friday April 18.

Members are appealing for donations and volunteers, to help telephone 01977 554867 or email wcag11@aol.com.