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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Debbie Luxon & Nia Dalton

Mum with terminal cancer wants to see son 'write his first word' before she dies

A mum with terminal cancer has created a 'wish list' of things to do before she dies - which includes seeing her baby boy write his first word. Danni Day, 34, was told that she'd never be able to have children after going through chemotherapy for breast cancer in 2017.

But a few years later, her and partner Craig Moore, 34, were shocked to discover they were expecting a "little miracle" son called Bodhi. In December, the happy family received the heartbreaking news that Danni's breast cancer had returned and spread to her liver and lung, giving her just two years to live.

Danni and her partner Craig were told they couldn't have children (Natasha Rowland / SWNS)
She has created a wish list of activities to tick off with her loving family (Natasha Rowland / SWNS)

Danni said: "We were devastated when we found out the cancer had returned. I was so close to hitting my five-year recovery mark.

"We were just completely blown away. Having Bodhi as well changed my perspective on things."

The graphic designer from Loddon, Norfolk, has began making small plans for the next two years and would love to take Bodhi abroad for the first time.

"I want to potty train Bodhi and see him write a word before I go," she said. "Little things like that would be lovely to see.

"I want to do things that feel normal. And I don't really have a lot of energy at the moment so I can't do too much too soon."

Danni had already gone through hair loss, reconstructive surgery and radiotherapy before she was given the news in 2018 that she was in the clear from her breast cancer.

Danni wants to potty train Bodhi and see him write his first word before she goes (Natasha Rowland / SWNS)

She then started to feel unwell again with stomach pains late last year, and was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which cannot be operated on or removed.

When Danni's sister Natasha Rowland, 32, heard the news, she created a crowdfunding page to help Danni fulfil her wish list, and reached its goal of £6,000 within 24 hours of launching.

"It's horrible. We thought we'd gone through it all already. To hear it was back was just devastating," Natasha said.

"It feels so unfair. She's too young and she's got little Bodhi. It's so unfair that they will miss out on time together.

"The fact that we managed to do it in under 24 hours we can't really comprehend. We set the target thinking that would be nice to get to it eventually. It was really amazing how incredibly generous people were."

Danni created her modest wish list herself with small things to help her family have the best time they can whilst they're still together.

She said: "We were completely overwhelmed by the response to the fundraiser. We had no idea that everyone would be so generous and kind.

They'd love to visit the Natural History Museum and go to Centre Parcs Spa (Natasha Rowland / SWNS)
Danni says it's the little moments that matter the most like going on walks (Natasha Rowland / SWNS)

"I'm trying to be realistic as to what you can do with a dog and a baby, but I'd love to take Bodhi abroad on our first family holiday.

"I'm going to walk a llama, hopefully go on some city breaks - just average things that I can do in the next couple of years.

"But there are a few things that are free like helping Bodhi reach milestones. Little things like that.

"The biggest thing I'm looking forward to is going on holiday as a family, which we haven't been able to do yet since having Bodhi."

Other activities on her list include having a family photoshoot, going to a Centre Parcs Spa day, having a bottomless brunch, taking Bodhi to the Natural History Museum, staying in a tree house, going on a tandem bike ride and trips to Croatia and Milan.

You can donate to Danni's wish list on her fundraising page.

Do you have a real-life story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.

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