Readers are flocking to help cancer-stricken mother-of-two Gail Hepworth as she battles to see her children grow up.

The Evening Press reported last Friday how Gail, 39, of Hemingbrough, near Selby, wants to raise £7,000 to go to a special New York clinic for complementary treatment which she hopes will let her live a longer and better life.

"I want to see my children grow up," said Gail, mother of Tom, 11, and Jack, seven, who has developed incurable secondary bone cancer after undergoing apparently successful treatment for breast cancer four years ago. "I have so much to live for."

The appeal is a race against time to raise the money while Gail is still well enough to make the journey to America.

Fund co-ordinator Derek Whetton said he had received several calls after the article had appeared from people who had been touched by Gail's story and wanted to help.

He said he had received cheque donations towards the appeal, and also offers of prizes for a raffle being organised in conjunction with a Staying Alive disco planned for October 23 at York's Merchant Adventurers Hall.

The hall was the venue for Gail's wedding reception only last year when she re-married.

Gail says York catering firm Bradshaws have also agreed to run the bar for the disco without charging the organisers, and also say they will make a donation to the appeal once they have covered the costs of the evening.

Gail spoke of her gratitude to everyone who was getting behind the appeal. "I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. It's wonderful," she said.

But now she and her husband David have also made an additional plea for help with the disco on October 23 - they are hoping a disco organiser can come forward to lay on the disco for the event.

Anyone able to assist should contact Mr Whetton on 01405 862541.

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