Hi, my name is Matthew and I'm Cara Bianchi's husband. Several of her loyal readers have messaged me asking how they can support the family so I have set up this fundraiser with their help.

Three years ago, our lives changed forever when Cara went to A&E with severe stomach pain. An X-ray confirmed gallstones, but it also revealed a shadow on her lung. A doctor explained that it was likely to be lung cancer before bursting into tears, believing it to be a rapid death sentence for a woman in her 40s who had never smoked. We were given six months at best at this point.

Further scans confirmed the worst. Cara had Stage 4 lung cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes and was trying to get to her brain.

An initial biopsy found no treatable mutations, leaving us with very few options. Doctors explained that a second, much more invasive biopsy could be performed, but estimated there was only around a 1% chance it would find anything useful. It would also be painful, but Cara didn't hesitate. She wanted to be sure that she had explored every possible option.

That decision would give us three more years, allowing her to watch her youngest daughter grow from 1 year old to 4.

Somewhere in the laboratory with the biopsy sample, some angel made a choice that gave our family that extra precious time together. Instead of running the standard five-gene test, they performed a full twenty-two-gene panel which wasn't ordered. Against the odds, it revealed an extremely rare EGFR Exon 20 insertion mutation.

Cara then started a targeted treatment that worked remarkably well for more than two years, giving us time we never expected to have. We celebrated birthdays and christmases that we never thought she'd see. We made memories as a family that will stay with us forever. She was able to interact with her readers and fellow writers, and help other cancer patients with their treatment paths.

Eventually though, that treatment stopped working. Another targeted therapy followed but unfortunately had no effect at all. Chemotherapy was then tried, but it caused severe seizures while doing nothing to slow the cancer.

By this point, the disease had spread to her spine, pelvis, liver and brain. We were told there was nothing more that could be done and Cara was discharged to hospice care.

But anyone who knows Cara knows she has never been someone to give up without a fight.

She demanded a second opinion. A leading cancer professor reviewed her case and successfully applied for compassionate access to a promising new medication that had not yet been approved on the NHS. The manufacturer kindly agreed to provide it.

Once again, Cara defied the odds. The treatment gave us another three precious months.

Sadly, that final treatment has now failed. The cancer in Cara's brain is progressing rapidly, causing memory loss, confusion and agitation. We have now been told that she has just one to three months left.

Throughout every appointment, every hospital admission, every setback and every moment of pain, I have been by her side, in awe of her bravery and ongoing compassion for those around her. Being self-employed, I had to stop working to become her full-time carer while also caring for our two beautiful daughters, aged just 4 and 15.

As we now face the unimaginable, her readers offered to help relieve some of the financial pressure so we can focus entirely on spending what precious time remains together.

Any money raised will help with making Ellen more comfortable, giving her peace of mind and allowing me to continue caring for her and our daughters without the immediate worry of financial trouble, and help cover funeral expenses when the time comes.

Most of you know Cara through her books. She loved her readers. Every message, every review, every recommendation and every kind word meant the world to her. She often spoke about how grateful she was for the incredible support she received throughout her writing career. You have been part of her journey, and she treasured that more than you know. It always brought her strength to think her books would live on after she was gone.

If Cara's stories ever made you smile, helped you escape for a few hours, or touched your heart, we ask if you would consider helping hers.

No donation is too small. If you're unable to give, simply sharing this fundraiser would mean so much.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity and support during the hardest chapter of our lives.