Donations pour in for cancer mum Maggie

Her devastated husband David launched an appeal in last week’s Herald&Post to raise £30,000. The couple have been overwhelmed by the response from generous readers. But they are still sort of their target.

Maggie is fighting terminal cancer with every breath in her body. She is pinning her hopes on a revolutionary new treatment called hypertherapy (see Letters on Page 14).

The couple are on their way to the German clinic that offers the treatment – even though they don’t have the full amount.

David said: “They are letting us pay as we go. And with money from family and friends and donations, we have enough for the first week.”

Before setting off by car because Maggie can’t fly in her condition, a clearly-moved David said: “I do not possess the ability to express my heartfelt emotions to thank everyone for their help, their hope and their prayers.” The former Leighton Buzzard Cedars Upper School pupil added: “It’s at times like this when you know it’s people, not things, that matter.

“Maggie was my first girlfriend when I was 18 years old. We married in 1996 and she has been my life for 27 years. I cannot begin to think of life without her.”

A fundraising concert is being held at the Weathercock in Woburn Sands on October 1, starting at 2pm. It features Paul Whiting’s Flying Saucers, Big Laundry Bill and other groups.

Organiser Jonny King said: “It’s literally a matter of life or death. It’s absolutely vital that we raise the money for Maggie’s treatment.”

The Thomas’ have six children under 10, including nine-year-old twins. They will be looked after by the couple’s family. Maggie’s mum is retired Dunstable medic Dr Anne Standen.

The former Cardinal Newman pupil was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Although she had a radical mastectomy, it spread to her lungs, liver, ribs and spine. But she remains upbeat and positive, a role model to everyone she meets.

Please help us help her.

> For more information and to make an urgent donation visit www.maggieshope.co.uk