THE family of a North-East mother who has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer have made a desperate appeal for help so she can go abroad for lifesaving treatment.
Mother-of-two Laura Hodgson was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, described as an "aggressive and advanced" form of the disease.
The 35-year-old from Billingham has been told there is no treatment available on the NHS for this type of cancer, and her family are now attempting to raise £100,000 so she can travel to the US in a last ditch attempt to be cured.
A Go Fund Me page set up by the family has already raised about a third of the amount required, but more than £60,000 is still needed to ensure Laura can continue to spend "Christmases, birthdays and morning snuggles" with her husband, Stephen, five-year-old daughter and three-year-old son.
Michaela Morton, Laura's sister, said: "We are currently in contact with specialists in the US, who are running trials treating Laura's type of cancer. So this would be the main country but we have not ruled out other options which include travelling to Hungary where the Gerson institute is based.
"We have had so many people reach out and help. We are overwhelmed and truly grateful for everyone's generosity."
Writing on the Go Fund Me page, Christine Robinson, Laura's cousin, said: "Last year we went to a family wedding, and Laura was sitting down at the table a little subdued.
"What none of us new was Laura was in pain, she had been to the doctors and was waiting for test results.
"The following days would bring news that rocked her world. Laura had decided not to tell anyone so my cousin and his family could enjoy his brother's wedding.
"Laura is going through something each and every one of us dread, she is a beautiful lady, loves to play netball, spend time with her family and works to protect the children of Teesside."
To help raise money for Laura, a Netballathon will be held at Middlesbrough Sports Village on Mother's Day – Sunday, March 31 – where a handful of teams will compete continuously between 8am and 7pm.
The event will be held during the full opening hours of the village, and organisers are are asking for teams to come and play netball for one full hour and teams will change as the game is played.
Ms Robinson added:" Laura, Stephen and her mum have tried everything in their power to improve Laura’s health.
"She has been put forward for another trial but she may not be a suitable candidate. There are treatments available outside the NHS, and we are asking for donations to send Laura abroad for specialist treatment.
"This route of funding is not something Laura has wanted to chase but now is willing to try anything to save her life.
"Please help us to give Laura, Ste and their babies more Christmases, birthdays and morning snuggles together. Don’t let Jan and Ray see their daughter suffer any longer.
"I am now begging for the people of Teesside to come together and support by giving and sharing to all your contacts, help us fight for Laura’s life."
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/letshelpmorty.
For more information about the Netballathon, call 07843-877806.
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