Friends dig in as mum receives devastating diagnosis on late husband's birthday

Helen Davy’s husband John, who worked as a manager in bowel cancer screening, died four years ago from a lifelong condition that caused blood clots to form in his body.

Since his death, Helen has been raising their daughters, Annalise (8) and Kairen (5), alone.

And after going to hospital with suspected appendicitis around five weeks ago, the 44-year-old widow was told she had terminal cancer.

Thurcroft neighbour and friend Paul Keeton, who has set up an online fundraiser for Helen’s children, said: “Helen’s been going to the doctors for quite a while now with her complaint. They thought she had appendicitis.

“She went to Rotherham Hospital where she thought she was going to have her appendix removed. But tests showed there was cancer in her appendix that had spread to her bowel and stomach.”

Paul, whose GoFundMe page has attracted more than £8,200 in donations within a week, added: “John was a manager for bowel cancer screening and the day Helen found out she had cancer was John’s birthday.”

Funds raised will become Helen’s legacy, said Paul, and the money will be used for important milestones in the girls’ lives that she will miss, like driving lessons and weddings.

“I’d love to take it as far as we can take it,” said Paul, of Moorhouse Drive, who will be running 5km every day with his partner Lesley Crapper (37) (pictured, below) to keep funds coming in.

Helen, who works for a broadband company in Manvers, has been touched by the fundraiser.

“It’s what keeps her going,” added Paul (39). “She’s had so many messages and nice people taking the time, not just to donate, but to get in touch and speak to her.

“I’ve had offers of support from people who can’t financially donate but want to help, like a woman who runs children’s parties who said she would give Helen’s girls a free party. “It really restores your faith in people.”

Helen has also been offered a stay at a Filey holiday home with her children after the fundraiser caught the attention of charity Ruddi’s Retreat.

Paul said Helen, who has a twin sister, had remained her “smiley and positive” self throughout the devastating diagnosis.

“If you were to meet her, you wouldn’t have a clue what she’s going through, she’s never changed,” he added.

“She just takes it on the chin and digs in. To get that news after everything she’s gone through, I don’t know how she remains so positive and cheerful.

“She’s a credit to herself and her kids.”

To donate, visit https://bit.ly/2Uu15WN.