Hi. My name is Keri & this is my mother, Jane, with my 2 year old daughter. My mum recently turned 70 & is sadly in the final stages of metastatic bowel cancer. She has no family in the UK apart from my stepdad, who is also battling prostate cancer and is registered disabled, leaving him unable to care for her. My brother and I both live in New Zealand, and we are desperate to raise funds so that we can stay in the UK to care for her during the last few months of her life.

I am currently in the UK with my 2-year-old daughter, as we came to celebrate my mum’s 70th birthday. However, I was only able to take two weeks off work and am scheduled to return to New Zealand on December 15th. I am a healthcare worker in New Zealand, and while I requested additional leave from the hospital trust I work for, this was denied. If I stay to care for my mum, I will have to again request unpaid leave or alternatively, be forced to resign from my job, which adds significant financial strain as I still need to cover my mortgage and nursery fees back home.

This also means leaving my partner and 5-year-old step-daughter behind in New Zealand while I remain in the UK

to provide my mum with the care and support she desperately needs in her final months.

This is an incredibly stressful and emotional time for my family. If you are able to contribute anything to help make this possible, we would be forever grateful. Your support would allow me to stay by my mum’s side and give her the care and comfort she deserves in her final months. Thank you.