For the last 15 months Isla has been battling with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, the same rare and aggressive cancer suffered by Bradley Lowery, whose battle with the disease prior to passing away last July united the football world.
Isla is now in remission, but still faces the very real danger of a relapse and, should that occur, her chances of survival will be less than one in ten.
Isla’s family are now aiming to raise £155,000 for her to undergo pioneering new treatment in New York to prevent relapse, an appeal which has now reached £115,000.
Parents Rick and Anna are hoping for her to access the Bivalent Vaccine clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the hope that it will help prevent the cancer returning.
As Matt explains, there is a very big reason why he is so heavily involved in the campaign.
“Isla is the niece of Jan and Peter Morris, who I lodged with for six years from the age of 16 when I was coming through at Wolves,” says Matt.
“They are a lovely family and like my second family, and I think the world of them.
“I want to do everything I can to help spread awareness of their appeal for little Isla, who has been so brave during 15 months of gruelling treatment at Great Ormond Street.
“Despite everything she has gone through – surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a stem cell transplant – nothing has knocked her appetite for life and she is still such a happy and positive little girl.
“To prevent a relapse, Isla needs to undergo this treatment in New York, and the support the family have received has been fantastic.
“We just need to keep going to make sure we can reach the target, and I know how generous and supportive Wolves fans have always been.
“If anyone is able to make a donation, either by text or on the Just Giving website, the family will be extremely grateful as they look to give Isla the best possible chance of beating this terrible disease.”
A message from Matt will appear on the big screens at Saturday's game against Sheffield United, and there will also be bucket collectors situated around Molineux. Matt is also hoping that fans both of sides may take part in a minute’s applause in the second minute.
The appeal can also be supported via https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/solvingkidscancer/islaaustin or by texting ISLA12 £1-£10 (amount) to 70070.
