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Coronavirus Kent: Donations pour in for single mum Toni Crews from Deal who can't access cancer treatment because of Covid-19

17:56, 14 April 2020

updated: 17:57, 14 April 2020

A single mum whose last ditch cancer treatment is not available because of coronavirus has thanked supporters who have donated £10,000.

The five-figure amount, aimed at allowing Toni Crews from Deal to make memories with her two young children, Charlie and Faith, is more than triple her original target.

Toni Crews wants to make memories with her children, Charlie, eight and Faith, seven
Toni Crews wants to make memories with her children, Charlie, eight and Faith, seven

The GoFundMe page was set up by her friend Louise Jefferson last week following the 30-year-old's devastating diagnosis that cancer had returned to her lungs and skin tissue.

The disease had originally shown itself in her tear duct in 2016 - prompting the removal of her right eye - and again as a tumour behind her eye in 2018.

The type of cancer, adenocarcinoma, is chemotherapy resistant, meaning unless the mass can be removed via surgery, her best hope would be to access a clinical trial at London's Royal Marsden Hospital.

However because of the outbreak of Covid-19, these have been stopped.

Miss Crews said: "The donations mean so much to me and my family, especially in such a hard time for everyone.

Toni Crews pictured on the day of her lung biopsy in March
Toni Crews pictured on the day of her lung biopsy in March

"It makes us all feel so loved and supported and gives us something to look forward to once the lockdown is over.

"I never imagined we would raise such an incredible amount."

The first outing Miss Crews says she and her family will enjoy, when safe to do, will be a trip to the zoo, followed by bigger trips to Legoland and possibly Disneyland Paris.

She said: "I would love to take my whole family for a lovely meal and to the zoo as we've missed visiting the animals."

In addition to donations, Miss Crews has also been inundated with messages of support, including from strangers.

Toni Crews is unable to access a clinical trial for cancer because of coronavirus
Toni Crews is unable to access a clinical trial for cancer because of coronavirus

She has also received heartfelt gifts such as a necklace with her and her children's initials on and a personalised bracelet.

She continued: "I have had so many messages from well wishers and have had many offers of support, help and advice.

"I am so grateful to everyone."

The mum-of-two who has earned a place to study applied criminology and forensic investigation at Canterbury Christ Church University starting in September, attended a routine check up in February.

It was then that she raised concern over a lump on her back, hoping it was simply a bite.

Once safe, the first trip out for Toni Crews and her children Charlie and Faith will be to the zoo
Once safe, the first trip out for Toni Crews and her children Charlie and Faith will be to the zoo

But x-rays, biopsies and a CT scan have confirmed it was a small tumour.

She now has more than 20 lumps, up to 3cm wide, appearing under her skin, mainly around her ribcage and under her arms, which are beginning to cause pain.

She previously told KentOnline: "It's very difficult to take on this diagnosis, especially as a single mother to two younger children.

"I just feel like I have to try and make as many memories with them as I can at this moment in time and hope for coronavirus to pass so I can look to get into London for the trials which could possibly help me recover."

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