West Belfast mum ‘overwhelmed’ as £30k raised in 24 hours after terminal cancer appeal

A West Belfast mother who was given just four months to live after a devastating cancer diagnosis last week has said she has been “overwhelmed” by the kindness of the local community after £30,000 was raised in just 24 hours towards her treatment.

Rachael Burns, a 22-year-old mother whose daughter just celebrated her first birthday, received the unimaginable news last week after experiencing dizziness and eye irritation for eight months.

With her NHS options limited, Rachael and her family are planning to travel to Germany for alternative treatment which they hope will prolong her life.

READ MORE: Police identify woman who died after three-car accident

READ MORE: Convicted bigamist’s claim to be a doctor is exposed as false by family of Northern Ireland’s ‘husband’ No. 5

After speaking to Belfast Live on Thursday, almost £30,000 had been raised for Rachael’s treatment and the young mum said she never in her wildest dreams thought they would reach their target so quickly.

“I’m totally overwhelmed by the response we’ve received so far,” Rachael said.

“Belfast is such a small place, but you never think people from all over would show as much kindness as they have to me and my family. It’s a scary time going through all this, but it’s given me more hope that I can spend more time with my family.”

Following the huge outpouring of support for Rachael on Thursday, she began making plans to travel to Germany for the potentially life-saving treatment, known as ONC201.

“I spoke to the doctor yesterday and now we can start making plans to go there.

“Time is very important to me right now, so to be able to raise so much money so quickly is just unbelievable.

“I just want to thank every single person who has donated so far. You have no idea what a difference this has made to me and my family.”

For all the latest news visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up for our daily newsletter here.