Teacher Melissa 'weeks away' from tumour treatment

Jan 6 2009 By Ed Saunt

Melissa Huggins

Cancer-stricken teacher Melissa Huggins could start treatment in the USA within weeks as funds raised on her behalf have topped £130,000.

Melissa, a teacher at St Ignatius Primary School, Sunbury, has been pencilled in for proton radiotherapy treatment in February in an attempt to cure an agressive tumour which has spread from her brain down to her lower spine.

The eight-week course is expected to cost about £150,000 and 27-year-old Melissa, of Bremer Road, Staines, is just £20,000 shy of that amount following an amazing six-week fundraising drive.

Her family have been touched by the generosity of total strangers and are hoping a date for her to check into the Boston hospital will be set within a week.

Dad Mark, of Queens Walk, Ashford, said: "We have been told it will be some time in February but we are hoping to get her in sooner because it's causing her quite a bit of discomfort in her back. We are pushing them for a date.

"We still don't know what the final cost will be and we need people to keep being as generous as they have been."

The pioneering radiotherapy by Boston specialists is Melissa's only hope of survival and her family have pledged that any money left over from the fundraising will go towards cancer research charities.

The latest inspiration comes from staff at The Bugle pub in Shepperton who, led by landlady Tina Rabbetts, will take part in a outside sponsored swim at Hampton Pool in what will likely be freezing temperatures.

Tina, who hopes to raise £1,000, said: "We'll be there come rain, snow or shine because it's such a touching story. Melissa has been known to come to the pub and she seems like a lovely girl."

On Saturday January 10 hardy souls will brave the cold and walk around the Bedfont Lakes Country Park and other events upcoming include skydiving in Wokingham, a charity photo shoot and a charity football match, with dates and venues being arranged soon.