A LEGENDARY rock band have sent a video with a message of support for a teenager battling brain cancer.

Metallica sent the recording to 13-year-old Tyler Yates, of Farnham Close, Leigh, on Monday to wish him a speedy recovery from a brain tumour which he was diagnosed with on his first birthday and continues to grow despite having several courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The American group said the Bedford High School pupil was in their ‘thoughts and prayers’ and hope to see him at their gig at the Manchester Arena in October although he may not be able to go as it will be difficult for him to cope with the large crowds of people on the night.

Mum Pam said: “It was amazing to hear the band say his name.

“Knowing it was directed at Tyler was amazing.

“His face was beaming.”

Tyler is a big fan of the group and has often worn band t-shirts from an early age.

Pam recalls going to a gig in Dublin when she was six months pregnant with Tyler and said she felt him ‘squirming around’ when other bands were playing but he became still when Metallica came on stage which was a sign to her that he even loved them then.

In January, Tyler was rushed into hospital for an emergency biopsy which found grade four tumours in his brain stem.

A fundraising campaign was subsequently set up in case he needed to go to America for potentially life-saving revolutionary treatment but it has now been decided that this will no longer be possible.

His family are waiting to find out if he will be accepted for a drug trial at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Some of the money from the fund will be donated to charities SuperJosh and Max In A Million as well as paying for a European holiday to give Tyler a break from his treatment which included trips to Paris, Rome, Monte Carlo and Nice.

Pam added: “For every single person who has done anything, raised money and helped to fund these things, I want to say a massive thank you to them all.”

There have been several fundraising events which have taken place for Tyler so far with the next one being a casino-themed night on September 1 with an Elvis impersonator and three-course meal included too.

To buy tickets for the event or for more information, visit facebook.com/TylersFightClub.

Pam is also taking part in the inaugural Leigh Community 10K on Sunday with her colleagues from Contour Hair Salon on Bradshawgate to raise money.