'We can't control how long we have, but we can choose how we spend the time in front of us': Wakefield family hoping to give mum a special final summer
A Wakefield family hopes to give their beloved mum and granny the best summer after a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Tina Walsh, 63, was diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer at the end of last year that has since spread to her liver and lungs.
In January she received the devastating new that her cancer was terminal, a reality her family is still trying to come to terms with.
Undergoing chemotherapy to give her the best chance of more time, daughter Elizabeth Johnston said she and her brother, Jacob and sister, Alice are hoping to make as many memories as possible for their mum.
Elizabeth said: "In the time she has left, our biggest wish is to help her make the most of it - especially with her children and grandchildren.
"Mum has lived in Wakefield her entire life and has always been incredibly proud to be from 'Wakey'.
"It's where she grew up, it’s where she raised us and where so many of our family's happiest memories have been made.
"Wakefield has always been home to her in the truest sense."
"Anyone who knows mum will tell you she has always been the type of person who shows up for others.
"Whether someone needed help, support of simply a kind word, she would be there without hesitation.
"She's the kind of person who would do anything for someone in need."
That’s why the family has created a GoFundMe page to raise funds to give Tina one last special summer with her children and three young grandchildren, Henry, seven, Freddie, five, and four-year-old Lottie.
Tina also has two grandchildren on the way - one due in May and the other in September.
"We want to fill the time we have left with mum with simple, but meaningful, moments,” Elizabeth said.
"Days out, little trips and time together making memories that we'll all hold on to forever.
"Family has always been everything to her.
"She is Granny first and foremost - the one who shows up, listens, who makes everything feel safe and warm.
"We can't control the diagnosis, we can't control how long we have, but we can choose how we spend the time in front of us.
"We're fighting for one more summer, one more stretch of sunshine, one more chapter filled with love instead of fear.
"We're hoping the wonderful spirit Wakefield is known for might help us make this possible for her."
To help the family make memories, visit the GoFundMe page here.