As many of those who have suffered the shock of being told similar news, there was no easy way to deal with it. The shock, sadness and pure desperation we felt as a family was impossible to explain. As you can imagine, dealing with the prospect of losing our much-loved mum was truly devastating for us, her four children.

Despite what has been a hugely painful and emotional time for us as a family, Mum’s resolve, courage and positivity at her prognosis showed no bounds. She was quite simply the bravest and most courageous person on the planet, and it’s such an honour and a privilege that we got to call her our Mum. The countless hospital appointments, the side-effects of the medication and updates on her deteriorating health were always met with a smile from Mum.

 For as long as we can remember, Merle has maintained that there are always people who are worse off than her. Someone who always needs more help than her. And she has always had a driving spirit to help others. Whilst Merle was ill, she received lots of support from family and said she could not imagine going through what she went through on her own. She said that the most valuable treatment she received since her diagnosis is the time and the company of family.  We therefore decided as a family – with Mum’s best wishes – that we would like to help raise funds and provide support to those who are undergoing a terminal illness on their own and without the help of family and loved ones.