Six months ago, Marie began to experience severe pain in her neck and shoulder. Eventually MRI and CT scans revealed a malignant tumor emanating from her spine.

It all happened so quickly. We thought she needed physio for a slipped disc. Instead, Marie was told she has stage 4 cancer and that there is no cure.

Despite the inevitable feelings of fear, frustration and most of all physical pain, Marie has taken all that has come at her with strength, dignity and courage.

For the past three years, Marie has worked with the Alzheimer’s Society, running a singing group for those living with dementia and their carers. Colleague Louise explains: “To see people that are often forgotten about or ignored singing their hearts out is amazing and that is down to Marie”.

That is it. So much is “down to Marie”. When she walks into a room, we all light up. When she sits in her hospital bed, she continues to shine. Her magnetic qualities draw everyone to her, as much as she is drawn to others. She brings smiles to people’s faces wherever she is, and brings warmth to what are often very cold and dark times.

The most important thing in Marie’s life is her family. Even from hospital, Marie is supporting her children with work, school and being there for them when emotions run high.

Friends and family now want to show their love for this amazing and unique individual but it’s hard to know what they can do in response to the biggest news that could crush a person under the weight of the “C” word.

Marie wants to be “someone that makes people laugh, and for everyone to be happy and live life”. She is desperate to get back to “family, laughter, happiness, food, friends and dementia”.

To achieve this, Marie and her family need to know that financial matters are being seen to, that Marie will be able to get through this battle in the knowledge that she doesn't have to stress about money during this incredibly difficult time. Please help make this a reality