Brave mum’s holiday dream comes true

Jenny Purcell, Katie Collins and Mandy McLaughlin from the Barnoldswick Angels present Sarah Monk and her daughter with a cheque for £1,000 towards a final family holiday next year.

The Barnoldswick Angels charity has stepped in to donate £1,000 to 36-year-old Sarah Monk, who has incurable cancer, allowing her to go on the holiday of a lifetime to Disney World with her daughter.

Sarah, who lives in Sough, was diagnosed with breast cancer just eight months ago, and despite undergoing a double mastectomy and treatment at Airedale and Leeds hospitals, she has now been told by doctors the cancer has spread to her lungs and is incurable.

The devastating news prompted Sarah’s cousin, Kelly Marshall, to set up a fund-raising page to help Sarah take her daughter Chloe (9) to Disney World in Florida in May.

A cheque presentation was held last night at the Alma Inn in Laneshaw Bridge and a delighted Sarah said: “I’m absolutely over the moon.

“My daughter Chloe is as well. She is so excited and really wants to meet Olaf from Frozen and go on some of the rides. It was a long-term goal for us to go there and we had been saving but to raise that amount of money was going to be difficult.

“It’s so overwhelming, it’s unreal to be honest. The generosity of people has been outstanding. I really didn’t expect it at all. I can’t thank people enough.”

Sarah, who grew up in Sabden, attended Padiham Primary School and St Augustine’s RC High School in Billington.

The online fund-raising page raised just over £2,000, and with the charity’s four figure sum and two other significant anonymous donations have meant the holiday is now a reality.

Sarah added: “I’ve made some really nice friends with this. One lady who donated £500 I don’t know at all so I have agreed to meet her to thank her properly.

“Obviously when you get a diagnosis like I did, it is constantly on your mind and you’re rushing around sorting out things.

“But all the support has kept me positive and I now have something to really look forward to.”

Jennifer Purcell, from the Barnoldswick Angels charity, said: “Sarah is overwhelmed at what has happened and I’m just pleased we could do our bit to help.

“Our donation is down to the good people of Barnoldswick. All the money raised for this has come through the Barlick Bake Off.

“One of the members of staff was showing Chloe some photos of Disney World and she was so excited. Hopefully the holiday will give her memories she can cherish forever.

“I would like to add my thanks to all the staff and Lee Duerden at the Alma Inn for being so supportive.”