A Doncaster family has raised almost £17,500 in just one month as they fight to fund life-extending cancer treatment for their mum.
Marie Brooks, a beloved mum from Doncaster, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on 14 January.
Her daughter Katie, says her family’s world “broke into pieces” after finding out she was given just 12 months to live.
But in the middle of shock and heartbreak, something else happened too.
Doncaster showed up and rallied together to support Marie’s journey.
Determined to explore every possible option, Katie began researching alternative treatments that could give her mum the best possible chance.
She discovered a specialist procedure in Germany called TACE (Trans Arterial Chemoembolisation), which delivers high-intensity chemotherapy.
This treatment could extend Marie’s life by years.
But starting this journey is not cheap.
Katie knew that trips to Germany every four weeks, including travel, accommodation and medical fees would quickly add up. So the family launched a £20,000 fundraiser in the hopes that Doncaster would get behind them.
What happened next surprised them.
“We gave everything we have as a family because we believe in coming together to support each other,” Katie said. “But we never imagined the success our fundraiser would have.”
In just 30 days, the total raised has climbed to nearly £17,500 with donations continuing to come in from friends, strangers and businesses across Doncaster.
Fundraiser nights and raffles have also been organised, with local businesses stepping in to donate prizes.
Doncaster clinic Rejuvenair has also been supporting the family with nutritional advice and therapies designed to work alongside chemotherapy.
This support gives Marie the strongest possible chance while she focuses on resting and recovering.
Katie says the wave of support has meant everything.
“The more awareness this brings, the more I feel we can help similar people in this position and give my mum the best chance of kicking cancer’s butt.”
With the £20,000 target now within touching distance, the family are urging anyone who can to donate or share the fundraiser.
It’s a reminder that when one Doncaster family is facing the fight of their lives, the community doesn’t stand still.
It rallies to look after its own.
If you’d like to support the fundraiser or donate raffle prizes, you can find the JustGiving link here.
Come on Doncaster, let’s support Marie and her family, and help her get the care she deserves.
