A TERMINALLY ill Urmston mum has issued a heartfelt appeal to the public to help her experience one last family holiday and make ‘wonderful memories’ before she is too unwell to travel.
Ailsa Malcom, 32, from Davyhulme, said her world was shattered when she was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in July 2013.
MND is a life limiting, muscle wasting disease which leaves people ‘locked’ inside their own body and life expectancy is just two to five years.
After hearing about Ailsa’s plight, a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign was launched by well-wishers and over £2,500 has been donated so far – but the family need another £2,500 to reach their target.
Ailsa, who is mum to eight-year-old Isabella, said: “Any money raised will be put towards a family holiday and family trips and days out. Unfortunately, this doesn’t come cheap when you have to factor in wheelchair access and insurance etc so every penny is really gratefully received.
“I would love to leave my partner Dean and my daughter Isabella with some wonderful memories – something that MND can never take away from us.”
Weakness in Ailsa’s legs now means that she relies on a wheelchair to get around. Her arms and hands are also affected, leaving simple everyday tasks such as feeding and dressing herself very difficult.
Sadly, the deterioration is speeding up, with Ailsa’s speech and breathing getting worse.
Kelsea Little, spokesperson of GoFundMe, said: “The ‘Making Memories’ GoFundMe campaign is incredibly inspiring. It’s amazing to see how the support of friends, family and the local community can make such a difference. We’re very happy to be able to provide a platform that allows the family to enjoy the precious time they have left together.”
To donate to the ‘Making Memories’ GoFundMe page, visit gofundme.com/ss2ercnk.
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