A fundraising campaign to send a family on a very special trip to Florida has begun this week in Peasedown St John. Friends of thirty-year-old Becci McCafferty, a mum of six children, who has been diagnosed with uncurable bowel cancer, are rallying round to raise enough money for Becci and her husband to take their children, aged between twelve and four-and-a-half-months-old, to Disneyland for a holiday they will never forget.

Becci was told the difficult news just before Christmas, but has been refusing to let it get her down. Known locally for campaigning about issues in the village, particularly the most recent planning application at Greenlands Road and helping to organise events in Peasedown such as Party in the Park, she recently appeared on the news, speaking out against the long-term financial difficulties families can face following the diagnosis of serious conditions such as cancer.

Friends in the village, Adalaide Quill, Karen Walker and Nathan Hartley, are organising a sponsored walk to raise funds for Becci and her family and are inviting as many people as possible to take part. It will be held on 3rd May with a twenty-mile walk to Cheddar and anyone who feels fit and well enough to take part can do so. Under sixteens must be accompanied by an adult. There is a suggested £5 administration fee for everyone aged sixteen and over to cover the cost of the event and then walkers will raise as much sponsorship money as they can to be donated to the family.

Family friend and organiser, Adalaide Quill, knows first-hand how cancer can affect a family, as her daughter was diagnosed with the disease when she was small. She said: "Becci has always helped others and as a friend, I felt that we do all we can and get as many people together as possible to help the family."

The sponsored walk will begin at 9.15 a.m. on the day from Peasedown St John Youth Centre. Walkers will need to bring suitable footwear and clothing for all weathers, plus plenty of water and protein and

carbohydrate foods. There will be water stations along the way and toilet breaks located on the route every 4-5 miles. The party should arrive in Cheddar by 6 p.m. and local company, Arleen Coach Hire, will transport the weary travellers back to Peasedown St John. Walkers are invited to dress up, wear specially designed T-shirts or bring banners to show their appreciation for Becci.

The total amount raised for the McCaffertys will be announced at a special presentation evening at the Waggon and Horses Inn on Saturday, 17th May, at 7 p.m. with hot food and entertainment. Local businesses, such as the Waggon and Horses, BJ Millard and Son Butchers, Arleen Coaches and Peasedown St John Co-op, have also been showing their support for the effort.

Becci says she has been 'overwhelmed' by the support of others since she was diagnosed. She is currently receiving chemotherapy every two weeks to help prolong her life, although she would rather not know how much time she has left, rather, make the most of the present. Speaking about the treatment she has been undergoing, she said: "I am dealing with it, you just get on with it really. I am incredibly lucky in that I have a very close family and I am keeping positive and am so very determined. I will continue to fight this for as long as I possibly can.

"It will be a wonderful trip for us to create some very happy family memories together.

"We would love to take the children to Disneyland in Florida for a reason. One of my daughters has a very rare genetic condition called PKU (phenylketonuria), which means she cannot eat protein. However, in America, this condition is more common. By going to Florida, rather than Paris, she'll be able to choose whatever she wants from a menu, as Americans accommodate these needs. It would be wonderful for her to feel 'normal' and choose something to eat, just because she can!

"I feel slightly awkward about the walk being held for my benefit – I'd really like to take part! The hardest thing is to accept that I will not be able to walk it all, perhaps the last mile. I have to be humble and know that I am lucky to be surrounded by people who care so much."

Becci has also inspired a huge fundraising effort by her brother, who is planning on taking on a massive physical challenge, facing 100 rounds in a boxing ring, running a half marathon and cycling 300km on a bike, in the aim of raising £10,000 for Cancer Research.

She said: "I am bowled over that everyone thinks so much of us and has shown such support. It's at times like this that you really realise who your friends are and how important community truly is."

If you would like to get involved and help send Becci and her family to Florida, contact Adalaide on: 07925 240397 for more information or a sponsorship form.