Colleen's last wish for Europe

Last week, I received the most heart-breaking news I have ever experienced in my entire life. The strongest person in our family, the one who has held us all together, the one who has always been there through thick and and thin, has been diagnosed with Terminal Stage 4 cancer.

As her only daughter, and first born child, as well as best friend, I am completely destroyed. We are well aware that death is inevitable, but you kind of expect it later in life. My Mum is only 53 years old.
Part of the complication is, I live in Europe so my time with her in this situation will be much more limited. Again, my heart aches uncontrollably.

My Mum, is a woman who has worked hard her entire life. In fact, my Dad has been ill for the best part of 30 years, so there have been years in her life that she has worked sometimes 3 jobs to keep the family in tact, as well as my brother and I racing.

When I look back, I am overly grateful for the opportunities she has given me, she has always taught me to believe in myself, and work hard for everything. As a racer, if I ever doubted myself, my Mum was the one who told me I can and that it's all in my mind. She has dedicated her life to our family and she has never stopped backing me, regardless of my decisions and their directions.

She is the biggest motocross fan in the world and we always spoke about getting her to a Motocross of Nations. We had planned for MXoN in France next year, but as much as we hate to be realistic over being optimistic, the reality is, MXoN 2020 is no longer an option (I am in tears as I write this). Her last chance for MXoN is in Assen, The Netherlands, this year. And I would love nothing more than to get her here for it.

What we need the money for is Flights from Auckland to Amsterdam, and Travel Insurance for her health. She is well at the moment, and would love nothing more than to go to Europe one last time and enjoy all it has to offer. My Dad, who has never been to Europe in his life (& is also unwell), will come with her, to make those memories with me that will last for eternity.

As she has already been diagnosed with Terminal Lung Cancer, her Travel insurance is extortionate, as is my Dad's who suffered a double heart attack followed by a heart operation in May this year. So my request to anybody is to share this page, and to make a small donation, even if it's just the price of your Starbucks coffee. Any donation big or small will help my Mum make the most of her final year, and for her to enjoy some time with me while she is in good health.

I will be forever grateful for every donation regardless of the size.