THE ‘DEVASTATED’ family of a Rugby woman who has inoperable cancer are raising funds to help her achieve her goal of surviving to see her only grandchild’s 10th birthday.
Allie Brackley, 54, was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer last September and has been undergoing chemotherapy since the end of October.
The mum-of-three’s heartbroken family have launched the Help Allie Live Longer appeal to raise £35,000 for treatment which could extend her life.
Allie’s sister Annette Clubley, who lives in Ledbury in Herefordshire, said Allie was the ‘lynchpin’ of the family.
She said: “Allie has always been there for me and everyone else too. She is our rock, the person who is always there to help everyone else. Everyone loves her.
“So you can imagine our horror on learning that she had pancreatic cancer. We are all devastated.”
With family spread across Ledbury, Sheffield and Leicester, many of Allie’s relatives have not been able to visit her during lockdown – Annette included.
She said: “Covid has made it all much worse to deal with, as she is vulnerable to infection from the chemotherapy and we are unable to travel, visit and hug her in what may very well prove to be the last months of her life.
“We are a very close knit family and being unable to visit has been exceptionally difficult. I just want to make her a cup of tea and hug her while she deals with all the ramifications of her illness.”
Earlier this month, accountant Allie celebrated her 38th wedding anniversary with husband Lee – and is using another family milestone to drive her on in her fight against the daily pain.
“It is particularly difficult because she used to regularly drive up to Sheffield to see her only granddaughter Isabelle, who will be six this year,” said Annette. “Alison’s goal is to stay alive for her 10th birthday so that she remembers her.”
Allie’s family are raising funds for a treatment called Nanoknife, which improves life expectancy when used in combination with chemotherapy – but isn’t available on the NHS.
“Even though she has worked hard all her life, she doesn’t have that kind of money or health insurance,” said Annette.
“There is no way she’d ask for money so I’m here to do that for her, to give her the chance of a few more years with her grandchild, children and husband.
“So if you have any money to spare, please Help Allie Live Longer.”
The Help Allie Live Longer appeal has so far raised just over £3,500 – ten percent of the target total.
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-allie-live-longer to donate.
