FUNDRAISING efforts to send a selfless East Lancashire mum for life-prolonging treatment in Germany has almost hit the half-way mark.

Gemma Nuttall, 27, from Haslingden is battling terminal cancer after she declined treatment and carried on with her pregnancy despite being told she had ovarian and cervical cancer.

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The mum-of-one is now undergoing chemotherapy to help shrink the disease in her brain and lungs.

Gemma’s mum Helen Sproates, 54, said that the family wanted to thank people for their support after a total of over £21,000 has now been donated.

“People have been amazing and we want to thank everybody who has supported us. We have a long way to go but we are hoping to get there,” said Helen.

When Gemma was 12 weeks pregnant a tumour was discovered on her ovary and following the birth of her daughter Penelope, she was given chemotherapy immediately.

Speaking of her only daughter, Helen said: “The cancer is shrinking so we are trying to remain positive. So while Gemma carries on with her treatment in this country we want to make sure she has the money to fly abroad when she needs to.”

The family are also aiming to give Gemma’s only child lots of memories of her mum.

“We want to make memories for Penelope while Gemma is doing well. We know that she has won a battle by reacting well to treatment but we are facing a war,” Helen added.

Most recently staff at the Victoria pub in Accrington handed over a £5,500 cheque to Gemma to help her on her journey.

Helen said: “People are just lovely and we have had so much response from people in the area and we can’t thank them enough.

“We don’t know how long Gemma’s life is going to be but we will battle with her to make sure that she gets the best possible treatment when we can afford it and also ensure that she gets to make lots of happy times with her little girl.”