Mum-of-two overwhelmed by generous donations

A TERMINALLY-ill woman is “overwhelmed” after a fundraiser to help ease her pain raised almost £2,500 within 24 hours of being launched.

Sharon Williamson, 44, was left “devastated” after she was told on Tuesday that she had just months to live.

The mum-of-two has been battling lymphoma since 2013 and has been in and out of remission, however she has been told by doctors that her condition has worsened and is no longer treatable.

She said: “It was devastating news. Nobody wants to hear that they can no longer be treated.

“The hospital have said they’re still going to try to use steroids to see if they can reduce the size of the lumps I have, but they’ve said I only have months.

“They haven’t gone in to exact detail about how long yet.

“It’s devastating to hear that when you have a young family.

“I have two kids, a daughter who’s 15 and a son who’s 21.

“Right now we’re all just trying to stay strong for each other, that’s all we can do.”

The fundraiser, which was set up by George Young, a friend of Sharon’s brother, has so far pulled in £2,475.

The page had rocketed up to 126 donors at the time of writing, with one kindhearted Dundonian stepping forward to donate £110. Four more Gofundme users also added £100 each to the collection.

The money raised by the page will be used to ease any financial stress, including funeral costs.

The former carer also plans to use some of the cash for CBD oils and other treatments which ease her pain.

She said: “The fundraiser has just taken off so amazingly, it’s been so quick. So many people came forward so quickly after it was set up.

“It’s overwhelming, honestly.

“It’s just outstanding because it’s taken so much pressure off the family.

“We don’t need to worry about money right now and that’s definitely good.

“There were so many names that I didn’t even know donating. It’s most definitely made things easier on us.

“We’ve also had so many nice messages, friends and family reaching out to us just to check in and make sure that we’re all doing OK and everyone is fine.”

George, the fundraiser’s creator, has also been left amazed by people’s generosity.

He said: “I’ve known Sharon basically my whole life. Her brother John has been my best pal since I was three, so I just wanted to help out in any way that I could.

“I was actually astounded, I set it up and when I went back it had already raised nearly £1,000.

“I know that these are difficult times for everyone, so I just wanted to say thank you to anyone who has donated. It’s so kind.”

Sharon with her husband John.