Help for our lovely soul sista Michelle ❤️

We have set up this page to help our lovely friend and soul sista Michelle Owen whose life changed quite literally over night, in the blink of an eye. She hadn't been feeling that great for a while and then one morning in April 2021, she woke up covered in bruises. She went to see her GP and she was admitted to hospital to start immediate chemotherapy as, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This could happen to any one of us at any time.

Michelle has been in hospital ever since, only coming out for a very short period of time for her birthday. She is now on her third round of high dosage chemotherapy. She was told a few weeks ago that she only had 12 months to live, if she was lucky, unless she agreed to stem cell surgery (bone marrow transplant). She has agreed to the transplant and, they have found her a terrific donor so, her chances of survival are now much better and, we hope like the 20,000 other people who have received this treatment that she will live a lot longer than the five year survival rate.

During these last few months she has been strong and positive throughout this utterly heart-breaking journey.

If you know Michelle, you will know that she is a loving person with a heart of gold and that she would help anyone at the drop of a hat. Michelle has two beautiful daughters and three gorgeous grandchildren whom she dedicates her life to. She has made many sacrifices for her children over the years bringing them up single handed. She is a true inspiration who has always placed her children and grandchildren above everything…..as she says….”I live my life for my children and grandchildren. They are my world.”

Michelle also extended her love and care to other children being a foster carer and has cared for many children over the years. Unfortunately, due to Michelle's diagnosis, she is no longer able to care for her foster children which has broken Michelle's heart.

Furthermore, Michelle has three beautiful dogs (fur babies) who she loves and adores as her true furry companions. She used to take them for walks to the beach daily. Now her dogs have all been separated after being cared for by Michelle’s daughter for the past 4 months. They are now being looked after by friends who have rallied round to support Michelle the best way they know how whilst Michelle is in hospital on her next phase of her Cancer treatment.

Michelle would love her dogs to be at home when she returns from her long stay in hospital. This is one of the reasons why we are trying to raise funds. We are hoping to be able to arrange for a professional dog walker to take the dogs on their walks so that they can stay at home with their 'mum'. Furthermore, it would be fabulous to give Michelle the opportunity to spend quality time with her children and grandchildren making memories going out on day trips when she feels up to it.

Michelle's circumstances have dramatically changed, she was a grafter, born in Oldham and made of steel. She has worked solidly her entire life and now she has found herself in a situation where she is struggling to make ends meet.

We, as her friends, have decided to try to raise funds to make her journey fighting this awful disease as stress free as possible and, to try to relieve her from her financial worries that she now finds herself in at this impossible time.

Today, 26th August, Michelle has started yet another round of intensive chemotherapy and, on the 10th September, she will have her stem cell treatment. Let's support our beautiful friend in her hour of need. We are the soul family and, if we don't support her, who will?

We have set up this page because we feel helpless and, we want to be able to show our support for our friend during these dark and difficult times and we need your help to do it.

We would be so grateful for any donations and, if you could share this gofundme page so that we can make a difference to Michelle's life.

THANK YOU xx

Here's what her friends say:

"What can I say, Michelle - she always has a smile on her face and always has fun when we are out on the soul scene. I have known Michelle for a number of years and I first met her when we stayed over in Liverpool. We all went out for a night out and she introduced me into my current career of fostering. She gave me guidance and advice for which I am truly grateful. She is an inspiration to me and I hope to see Michelle with her dancing shoes on as soon as she is fit to do so and, we will welcome her back on the dance floor."

"Everyone loves the sunshine - Michelle is the sunshine in many peoples' lives. Once known, never forgotten! Michelle always has a smile on her face and is friendly to all she meets. Always enquiring and curious about friends, family and all around her. She is caring and compassionate with a very big heart, always wanting to help others, a "mother figure" to many. Michelle is vibrant, colourful and has a strong personality with youthful good looks. Michelle loves and is passionate about many things, in particular, her children, grandchildren, foster caring, her dogs and, of course, her soul family. She can always be found at a soul venue; her love of music and a party are legendary. She so does love the sunshine and a soul holiday, always keen to explore and try new venues and events."

THANK YOU so much for taking the time to read Michelle's story. We thank you so much for any support or donations.

Soul sista's & family

XXX