A Cambridgeshire mum suffering from a rare and terminal brain cancer has achieved her aim of raising funds needed for life-prolonging treatment.
Amelia Martin, 41, who lives in Ramsey, was diagnosed with a papillary meningioma four years ago.
Despite undergoing surgery, doctors told her it had returned in November and, due to its location, was deemed inoperable.
Amelia launched a desperate bid to raise funds for cutting-edge treatment, saying she "can't bear" the thought of not being there for her young son Dylan.
The generosity of strangers
In just three weeks people have donated £40,000. It is enough money to enable Amelia to begin treatment at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, Czech Republic.
She said: “There are lots of lovely, kind people and organisations in Ramsey and in some of the surrounding villages that have raised and are still raising money for treatment.
“They are absolutely amazing."
Launching her heartbreaking bid last month she told the News : "I just want the opportunity to see Dylan growing up. I can’t bear the thought of not being here for him.
“If it was just me it wouldn’t matter so much, but I want it for my son and my family.”
It is hoped the innovative treatment in Prague will buy Amelia as much precious time as possible with six-year-old Dylan.
Since the campaign donations have flooded in from well wishes from all over the world on her JustGiving page.
Once anonymous donor said: "Good luck and I pray that your treatment goes well and is successful. Wishing you lots of love in abundance."
Her friends have also rallied round her, hosting dozens of community fun days, cake sales and sports tournaments, with hundreds of ribbons and bows sold at various events.
Amelia’s friend Carla Mayo added: “It has been heartwarming to see the local community pull together to help raise the money that Amelia so desperately needs.
“I know that everyone is thrilled to hear that she’s now in Prague ready to begin her treatment.
“Her friends and family in Leicester have also been working tirelessly to raise money for her.”
Amelia's story
Amelia first began getting pains in her head in 2013, but they were dismissed as migraines by her GP.
In December 2013 she underwent 14 continuous hours of surgery to partly remove the growth and in January 2015 had radiotherapy to stop it from growing back. She also had a second brain tumour fully removed by surgery in October 2016.
In early November last year she was dealt the devastating blow the tumour had returned and UK doctors told her there was nothing more they can do.
The mum-of-one was dealt another blow last month when doctors discovered the tumour had grown another 'five to six centimetres' in just two months.
Through the generosity of strangers, friends and family Amelia is due to start her proton beam therapy this month. She expected to be in Prague until mid-March.
Setting up the fundraising page, Amelia’s best friend Cathy said: “Amelia is the kindest, most positive person I have ever met. She is a much-loved mum, wife, daughter and sister.
“She wants to fight the tumour so that she can watch her son grow up and be around him for as long as possible.”
Any money not spent on treatment and associated costs will be donated to cancer charities.
You can donate to Amelia' JustGiving page just here.
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