In July 2017, our funny, kind and formidable friend, Beth Purvis, seemed to have put the horrors of the previous 10 months behind her.

She was declared cancer-free, having undergone a major operation to remove tumours in her bowel, and completed a gruelling six-month stint of chemotherapy. The diagnosis, in September 2016, had rocked Beth, her husband Richard and their children Joe, 9, and Abi, 7. She had told few people she was ill, and was determined to continue life as normally as possible. She was just 37.

Not only did her health appear to have improved, but - while working full-time and undergoing fortnightly chemo - she also managed to complete her studies and earn a 2:1 in the Open University law degree she had started four years earlier. The day after her final session of chemo, she went for an interview and landed her dream job in litigation. The family had so much to celebrate and could at last look forward.

But in November, after enduring six weeks in hospital and three further surgeries, Beth was given the tragic news that the cancer has returned, with metastases in both lungs. This time, it is incurable.

Beth’s overriding wish now is to spend as much time as possible making special memories for her children and husband. She hopes to be home for Christmas, and will soon begin fortnightly chemo at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, which will be needed for the rest of her life.

Despite the devastating news, her bravery in this impossible situation has never faltered. Her determination and positivity are an inspiration – she has never once complained.

Beth has been a good friend through adversity to so many of us, and now we want to ensure that she, Richard, Joe and Abi can make the most of their remaining time together.

Please do contribute anything you can. Money raised will be used for both practical and financial support in the dark times ahead when neither Beth nor Richard will be able to work, and to fund some small ‘bucket list’ treats to enrich the life of this very special family.

Thank you

Abbi, Emma, Karen, Lisa, Madeleine, Sarah, Sue