Wedding funds raised for mum-of-three given less than a year to live
Thousands have been raised to help a terminally-ill mum-ofthree get married, after she was told she has between six to nine months to live.
Linda Rose Boniface was told on March 5 that her aggressive breast cancer had returned and spread, causing lesions.
With about 12 of them throughout her brain, her only treatment options are life-prolonging but they will not heal her.
Upon being told how long she likely had left, the Larkfield resident and long-time partner Mark Boniface decided they would get married.
She says she “stole” his surname when their 12-year-old son Riley was born.
Having been together since 2006, the 52-year-old said: “We’ve always talked about it but never seriously.
“After I was given my first diagnosis of breast cancer in July 2019, we were laying in bed one night and I asked ‘Do you fancy getting married?’ “He said ‘yes’, but then my treatment happened and Covid happened and so everything just got in the way.”
However, with the recent terminal diagnosis, the couple and Riley want that dream to finally become a reality.
The former bereavement
counsellor is now hoping to get married in her back garden in about two weeks’ time, requiring special permission from her GP.
A JustGiving campaign was then set up to aid this plan by friend and fellow member of breast cancer support group Titastic, Kim Linkstead. Initially, it was hoped they could raise £1,500 for the event but the total has since skyrocketed.
As of Monday, it stood at
£5,413 donated by 197 kindhearted supporters.
Linda, who has herself raised thousands for cancer support charities, is in awe at the generosity.
She said: “I’m just absolutely gobsmacked.
“I’m the sort of person who raises money for charity and I’m really humbled by it.” She particularly noted how much it will ease her mind in leaving behind Riley and her two daughters.
She added: “I’m not usually someone who accepts charity but I’ve had to change my outlook in the last couple of weeks, and think about the fact I have a young son who has got older parents.
“He’s going to need as much financial support as possible.” “I’m at peace with my diagnosis, but my biggest concern is that I have three children and three grandchildren and I want to leave money behind for them.
The money raised will not only go towards their wedding, but will also cover funeral costs.
To help Linda achieve her ambition, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ kim-linksted
‘I’m at peace with my diagnosis, but my biggest concern is for my children and grandchildren’