A TERMINALLY ill Crossgates woman says she has been left overwhelmed by support from the community after they raised almost £10,000 to help modify her home.

Deanna Wilson, 35, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and last month we reported that the disease had spread to her bones and liver, with doctors giving her the heartbreaking news that it is incurable.

Former dress-maker Deanna's hips, legs and spine have become badly damaged because of her illness, causing her serious limitations with mobility, and she and husband Stephen launched an online fundraising appeal to build a downstairs bedroom and en-suite to help make day-to-day life easier.

The couple were referred to a social worker and occupational therapist to find out whether they could be given some financial assistance but a rigid set of plans – which they said wouldn't allow enough space in their bedroom for a double bed, forcing them to sleep separately – saw them decide to raise the funds themselves.

Family, friends and the village community have rallied to help and have raised £9,511, with The Corner Shop on Main Street, run by Robert Kirkwood, recently hosting a prize raffle that contributed a whopping £411.50 to the total alone.

The cash donated will allow almost all the necessary work to take place, and Deanna said: "I felt a bit awkward asking for help in the first place and struggled with whether to set the thing up in the first place. I'm not the kind of person to ask but we had a pretty difficult time with the occupational therapy people to try and raise funds.

"Everyone has been a great support and I'm very lucky to have the friends and community I've got. To have messages from people I don't know or barely know has been a lovely thing to see, and has made me feel less lonely. Robert is very involved in the community, which has so many genuinely nice people. Crossgates is a great place to live.

"People have been so kind and it's really overwhelming. It keeps me going and has perked me up to have such a big team of people behind me."

She continued: "My treatment is keeping me stable and it's a bit of a waiting game. I'm trying not to overdo things but I want to live as happily and normally as I can. I refuse to waste the time I've got left.

"Every month Stephen and I will do something special, like going somewhere for a weekend, which keeps things more in the moment and are smaller, more achievable targets. To think about things long-term is more frightening and it's good to take a break from it.

"This will give me independence and freedom and do simple things like go to the bathroom when I want. I can't put into words how much this will do for me."

Robert added: "I didn't know the lady but someone came in and asked to leave a bucket and sponsorship form. When I was at the cash and carry, I decided to buy a bottle of vodka that retails at £120 and raffle it.

"We sold 155 tickets at £2 and people were putting loose change in as well. She was overwhelmed that people had been so kind to try and make life a bit easier."

If you wish to donate, Deanna's crowdfunding page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/deanna-wilson.