Mother, 48, with terminal cancer issues desperate plea for help with children after her death

Louise Hayward has been battling cancer for two years
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‘When you are 48 you don’t think you are going to die’ - the words of a brave mother who is desperately trying to raise money for her three children as she continues to battle cancer.

Louise Hayward says she feels completely unprepared for leaving her children - aged 19, nine and seven - and has turned to the public for help in providing a future for them when she sadly passes away.

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Last month, the former Brislington School pupil was given a year to live by her consultant having been diagnosed with bowel cancer years ago. She continues to fight the cancer - she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment tomorrow (February 6) - but admits she needs to face up to reality and prepare for the worst.

“I want to do everything I can to help my children but currently I’ve got nothing for them,” she told BristolWorld. “I came out of a relationship and have been looking after the children on my own, so it’s hard to prepare for what will happen.

“I’ll keep fighting to be here, but I also need some help to provide for them when I go.”

Louise Hayward with her daughter FaithLouise Hayward with her daughter Faith
Louise Hayward with her daughter Faith

Louise has undergone chemotherapy since being diagnosed. However, last year she was adviced by one health professional to stop with the treatment after the cancer had spread to her live and lungs. But still she’s determined to keep trying.

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Following tomorrow’s treatment she will have a scan on February 9 to find out if the cancer has spread further. She was diagnosed with the cancer after seeing a doctor over bleeding when she went to the toilet.

The single parent, who lives off Maggs Lane in Whitchurch, has already hit her target of £1,000 on the GoFundMe page set up for her children. The total stands at £2,975 raised through 179 donations. Her children are called Will, Faith and Louie.

From left to right: Louie, Will and FaithFrom left to right: Louie, Will and Faith
From left to right: Louie, Will and Faith

She said: “I don’t know how to explain the devastation I feel knowing my whole life I’ve wanted kids and I had them later in life (at 39 and 41) and now I’m being ripped away from them. I just want them to have to struggle less, so if you could please help even if it’s a penny, just for my children.”

To donate, visit the fundraising page by clicking here.

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