WELSH rock groups the Manic Street Preachers and Feeder are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds to help a terminally-ill Newport mum live longer.

The generous Gwent-born stars pledged their support to raise cash for Louise Canning, 31, to make sure she gets specialist cancer treatment to prolong her life.

Almost half of the £20,000 needed for the mum-of-two, of Stockton Road, has already been raised.

Now, family and friends are holding a charity auction at the Goldcroft pub on Saturday, February 1.

Both the Manics and Feeder have donated equipment and personal items to sell off at the event.

Feeder frontman Grant Nicholas has given drum sticks belonging to his former bandmate and friend, Jon Lee. Jon died at his Miami home last year.

Grant, raised in Pwllmeyric, has also signed designer clothing and drum skins.

Manics members James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore plan to make a contribution.

Teen singing sensation Charlotte Church will give one of her glamorous stage dresses to the auction after mum Maria read of Louise's plight.

The Argus exclusively revealed that Louise, who is married to Richie, 32, was diagnosed as having cancer in both lungs and her liver just two days before Christmas.

It is now feared the disease has spread to her bones.

Louise, who has two daughters, Nicole, six, and three-year-old Paige, was told by doctors at New-port's Royal Gwent Hosp-ital that she would have only six to 12 months to live.

Louise's last hope is specialist alternative treatment, alongside the chem-otherapy she is undergoing, at the Dove Clinic for Integrated Medicine, in Winchester, at a cost of £20,000.

Almost £10,000 has al-ready been raised in a fantastic show of support from our readers, Louise said: "I would like to thank all the people who have supported me, it has been absolutely terrific and an awful lot of money has been raised."

Louise, who has just started another gruelling course of chemotherapy, added: "Without a doubt the article in the Argus played a big part in bringing it to the public's attention. "I haven't got a crystal ball - nobody has - and I can't put any time on how long I have. It all depends on how I respond to the treatment.

"There are people who are still alive three years after the treatment."

Louise is due for a second consultation at the Dove Clinic on February 10. Her cousin Michelle Hamblen, 31, from Tennyson Avenue, New-port, has worked tirelessly to organise fundraising events.

She said: "The response since the article appeared in the Argus has been amazing."

PICTURE: Louise Canning with husband Richie and daughters Nicole, six, and Paige, three