A teenager’s fight to save her dog’s life looks set for a happy ending after a specialist vet came forward to help.

Lucy Allen’s plight was highlighted in last week's KentOnline, when it was revealed she had set up a fundraising campaign to pay for life-saving treatment for cocker spaniel Benji.

In less than five days supporters donated £2,805 to pay for the operation and since then at least another £300 has been donated online to help him.

Lucy, 19, has had the dog since he was a puppy, and says he has “saved her life” during her battles with mental health issues and autism.

The Lordswood teenager added: “The moment I saw him I fell in love with him and knew how special he was.

“I have been fighting with autism and mental health issues for a while, and he has helped me through some very dark times.

“When I was ready to give up, I thought of him.”

Last week Lucy, a Pride in Medway finalist who dedicates her time to raising funds for the Kent Air Ambulance, was given the devastating news her three-year-old pet had been diagnosed with a pancreatic tumour.

He needed a specialist vet to carry out an operation to save his life.

But now Lucy has been given hope by a kindhearted vet who came forward after reading about her fundraising campaign.

Helen Wood, from DNA Vetcare, which runs Manor Veterinary Surgery in Chatham, contacted the Medway Messenger, to offer help.

Benji was taken to a sister branch of the surgery, Briar House in Broadstairs for tests last Tuesday, and vets said Benji’s life could be saved.

An ultrasound found the tumour has not spread and it was not affecting the dog’s other organs.

Mrs Wood said: “The results are extremely encouraging. The next step was to identify the type of mass found.

“Once we know the type of mass we are dealing with, we can devise the best treatment plan for Benji.”

Benji's results are now back and he went in for his operation at the surgery today.

He may have to stay at the vets for several nights after the surgery.

Lucy’s mum, Anne, said: “It had been a fraught week for us all but, yes, things are looking good.

"We can’t thank the vets enough for offering to save Benji’s life. It means the world to us all.”