As some of you may know, a very dear friend of mine Jacqui, has just been diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer, so rare that 9/10 can not be operated on. It is ampullary cancer and whilst they can still do the operation, because it is the NHS they must see her in 4-5 weeks from diagnosis, so this will not be until first week of January and the cancer may grow if left too long. The operation is a huge one whereby they get rid of some of her organs and bits of organs and the operation is called the Whipple's procedure. After ten days in hospital if all is well, Jacqui will have a very long slow recovery period at home. That's where you come in- I would dearly love us to raise enough money to pay for a private operation so Jacqui can be treated quickly, but I know this time of year and the time scale, that is a big ask . What we can do is raise enough money to pay for the ancillary expenses that are inevitable when people have a prolonged hospital visits. Things we could pay for are beds at the hospital for the family, so they can be close to her, it is £47 a night there! Travel costs to and from the hospital, as the hospital is over an hour and half away, extra therapy treatments, private consultations, a few days away with the family, anything that will help them all get through this difficult time in their life. So, dig deep my friends for this beautiful lady. You may not know her but she is a person who is always so positive, kind, generous with her time and love. I know she would do the same thing for anyone of her friends. Just one less bottle of wine at Christmas, or a smaller present for a loved one. Give whatever you can, no matter how small it is. Through your generous giving, Jacqui will know that she is loved and cared for. Please, however do not feel duty bound, the family want to say that your time with her, meeting up for a coffee or letter will mean just as much. Thank you x