A MUM-OF-FOUR who was forced to make the heart wrenching decision to abort her baby after being diagnosed with terminal cancer is appealing for help to get potentially lifesaving treatment.

Emma Howard, of Doulton Street, West Park, had to sacrifice her 17-week pregnancy to undergo chemotherapy treatment that she believed would give her more time with her other children.

She had to give birth to her baby, who she called Gabriel, to have treatment, however, three years later the 33-year-old is now having to plan her own funeral as doctors say that she has months to live.

Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2009 and was given the all clear three years later following surgery, however after getting pregnant in 2014 doctors said her cancer had returned and this time they said it was terminal.

Emma, whose cancer has spread to her bones and lungs, said: “I have sacrificed a lot to try to live and be there for my babies, my youngest is only four-years-old, they need their mum.

“I don’t want to die, I want to see my children’s milestones likes 18ths and 21sts, but I have been told to plan my funeral because the cancer is getting worse.

“The chemotherapy is making me so weak that at this point that could kill me before the cancer does.

“I want to try alternative treatment in The Christie in Manchester that is being trialled but being a single mum I can’t afford it and doctors don’t know how I’m still here.

“My friend set up a JustGiving page to try and raise £12,000 for treatment, but if it can’t help me I will use the money to make lasting memories with my kids and pay for my funeral, I don’t want to burden anyone with that.”

Emma is making video diaries for her children for milestones such as their weddings and birth of their first child but wants to raise as much as possible to hopefully see those markers herself.

She added: “My eldest is 15 in July, if I could just see her turn 18 that would make me so happy.

“She is the one that understands what is going on, she is scared to leave me alone in case I don’t wake up the next day, this is so traumatic and not fair for my children.”

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