Help make Jackie’s dream come true for her 60th

As some of you are aware, we nearly lost mum over the end of 2016 as she had two massive asthma attacks on top of severe pneumonia. It was a close call and she spent the whole of Christmas, her favourite time of year, in intensive care. Her hand is also now permanently damaged because of the doctors putting a cannula in wrong so this is a daily reminder for her. Once she was home and slowly getting better, she realised life really is too short and every moment is one you need to live to the fullest. One of the biggest challenges in mums life has been her fear of flying. I have now managed to get her to Prague and Florence, and this September we are going to Barcelona. On the way back from Florence, she even sat by the window taking pictures and my heart was bursting with pride.

She is still struggling with the loss of her mum and has one particular regret which makes her cry when she speaks of it. Nan always wanted to go to New York but because mum was terrified of getting on a plane, she constantly delayed it. And then it was too late. Nan got too poorly and passed. Whenever I mention New York, she gets very emotional and says that she would love to go there because nan never made it.

My mum means the world to me and I want to make sure she has the best birthday ever. I am therefore looking to arrange a surprise trip to New York for her and to present her with the tickets at her birthday party in front of her nearest and dearest.

Some of my friends have said that they will contribute to the flight and I thought that perhaps people may like to put some money into a “Dollar Pot” as a birthday present so that she can buy herself something in New York. Everyone who contributes will be added to the card which will contain the tickets.

I would therefore me most grateful if you would consider a little token gesture being added to the pot. I have set up a fundraising link and it would mean the world if you could spare some dosh to make this the best birthday ever for my wonderful mum who has done something for every single one of you, be it unlimited free legal advice (at home!) holidays in France, hosting the most amazing parties and just generally being a wonderful person, to show her we love her.