Our wonderful, caring, beautiful mother, Lydia has been diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer at just 59 years old.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most underfunded and understudied types, and one of the most dangerous due to its location. The NHS have said they cannot take it any further — Lydia is still awaiting Oncology, and UK surgeons have called her case inoperable. Private care abroad is the only chance we have of saving her. Without it, she may only be with us for another year if we're lucky.

Lydia will have surgery next Friday, 18th September, in Lisbon, with a specialist pancreatic surgeon trained in vascular surgery — techniques that make operable what UK surgeons wouldn't attempt. He's given her a 40% chance of living a full life expectancy post surgery, compared to the NHS' 0% chance and one-year prognosis. This is real hope. The surgery is estimated at €60,000, plus accommodation for Lydia and immediate family, as she'll need several weeks to recover in Lisbon before she can travel home.

We all believe Our Mum is the best mum in the world, and so we should, but let me tell you a little about Our Mum…

Our Mum brought us into the world, clothed us, fed us, and ensured we never went without, even though she had very little.

Our Mum was the person we learned the most from. We learned manners from her, "Be polite!" she would shout before we went to play at a friend's house.

Our Mum taught us how to speak to every person with the same respect, no matter their background or origin.

Our Mum taught us how to carry on, no matter what. That when the chips are down and things are tough, it's okay to shed a tear, but you pick yourself up and keep on going.

Our Mum taught us the philosophy of working your backside off, but enjoying your life just as hard as you work.

Our Mum just happens to be the hardest working woman I've ever met. The last time she was diagnosed with cancer, she actually worked through her chemo. I couldn't quite believe my eyes as she stood there behind the bar, running a pub during treatment… pouring pints, laughing and joking with a beaming smile, and lighting up the room as though nothing was happening. She'd finish for the day, but not before making sure tea was on the table and the washing was done. She had her slow days, but nothing stopped her. She battled through it, just like she has battled life every day… But that's just Our Mum.

An exceptional mother of two, grandmother of three and wife.

Unfortunately, cancer has come for round two. Though it will stand there with its big nasty teeth, eager to take another victim, it won't beat Our Mum.

Times are hard for a lot of people and we appreciate that, but even if you can spare £1, it goes directly towards giving us more days with Our Mum and allowing her to see her grandchildren grow up

Thank you so much