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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Sophie Halle-Richards

Terminally-ill mum whose only craving is Vimto ice lollies is gifted free supply

A terminally ill mum whose medication has left her craving Vimto ice lollies has been gifted a free supply until she doesn't need them anymore.

Katie Holmes, 38, has been told she only has three months to live after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour three years ago.

The mum-of-one has stopped treatment and has been prescribed steroids, which appear to be giving her the slightly unusual craving.

After clearing the shelves, Katie's family decided to get in touch with the Manchester-born soft drink company, to see if they could buy the lollies in bulk.

Her cousin, Matthew Chialton, 29, says the family were sent several boxes of Vimto ice lollies with a message from the brand.

They promised to send as many free boxes of the sweet treat until Katie didn't need them anymore.

 

Mr Chialton, from Liverpool said: "Katie was absolutely made up about it.

"It's just a nice thing to do in a bad situation."

Katie Holmes with her cousin Matthew (Matthew Chialton)

Katie, who has an 11-year-old child, was told by doctors that her brain tumour was terminal around a month ago.

"She lived with us for a couple of years so she is more like my sister really," Matthew said.

"Katie has just come off treatment now and is on steroids and they have been making her crave Vimto ice lollies.

Matthew says the Manchester-based company gifted Katie as many lollies as she needs (Matthew Chialton)

"They only really sell them in ASDA so our family has basically cleared the shelves of these ice lollies."

Matthew says his mum got in touch with the company last week.

The first drink was concocted on Granby Row in Manchester city centre in 1908.

"My mum wanted to see if there was any way we could just buy the boxes in bulk direct from Vimto.

The first drink was concocted on Granby Row in Manchester city centre in 1908 - it's marked by this sculpture nearby (Steve Allen)

"They sent us a load of boxes and replied saying they will send her as many as she wants, free of charge, until she doesn't need them anymore."

Matthew says he decided he wanted to publicly thank the brand for their kind gesture.

He wrote on Twitter: "Sadly my cousin is terminally ill with cancer.

"She's on steroids at the moment and is always craving Vimto lolly ices.

"After clearing shops we got in touch with Vimto to buy them in bulk. They're providing them free until she no longer needs them.

"Incredible company. Thank you."

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