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Sittingbourne mum Emma Young, who grew up in Faversham, appeals for help as she fights cancer

A courageous woman who has undergone two bouts of brain surgery is appealing for help as she now faces six weeks of radiotherapy.

Mother-of-two Emma Young, 36, who lived at the Mechanics Arms pub in Faversham for many years, was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumour three years ago.

After two rounds of surgery, the former Davington Primary and Abbey School pupil started to improve.

Emma Young is undergoing radiotherapy
Emma Young is undergoing radiotherapy

But the tumour has started to grow and move again and as it is wrapped around her main artery, it is too dangerous to operate on.

She lives every day in pain, often sleeping for up to 20 hours.

Doctors have now told her she needs radiotherapy – which could leave her blind or with more tumours, but could also save her life.

"I will do anything to feel normal again. I don’t have a life at the moment..." - Emma Young

King’s College Hospital in London is unable to offer Emma a bed during the six weeks of radiotherapy, so she is appealing for help to fund accommodation.

She needs to raise at least £3,000 for accommodation and travel, as well as money for a hospital bed to be installed at her home in Charlotte Street, Sittingbourne.

Emma said: “I will do anything to feel normal again. I don’t have a life at the moment. The painkillers have stopped working and since Christmas, I have just got worse and worse every single day.

“The tumour has grown slightly but the fact it has moved is more worrying.

“It now sits in a place where my optic nerves cross, which means the radiotherapy could leave me blind.

“It could cause more tumours to grow as well but if there is a chance this can stop the tumour from growing, it’s worth it. I would rather be blind and here than not here at all.”

Emma lives with her husband Luke, 39, five-year-old son Vinnie and step-daughter Zahra, 11.

Emma Young with husband Luke and children Zahra and Vinnie
Emma Young with husband Luke and children Zahra and Vinnie

She begins the treatment in May and says she is “still in shock” that it has come to this.

Emma added: “I’m trying to stay positive and have ‘tumour humour’. I even call the tumour Monty.

“There’s no good in stopping to cry about it. It’s no good for me, and anyone else around me. So far, people have been absolutely amazing and their generosity has been overwhelming.

“These people out there don’t even know me and we have been completely blown away by their support. Thank you to everyone who has donated.”

Click here to donate to Emma’s fund.

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