A FAMILY has issued a desperate plea for help to help a mum-of-three to ‘make memories’ after she was given months to live.

Lindsey Lewis was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer at the age of just 36, shortly after the birth of her youngest child, and given up to 12 months to live.

Five years on the 41-year-old, from Dallam, is still here.

But last month, Lindsey received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to her ribs and spine and that she now does not have long left.

Her loved ones are desperate to raise funds to allow the family to make special memories together in Lindsey’s final days.

READ > Two restaurants expected to sign up to Time Square by January

Sister Michelle said: “It was around this time of year around five years ago that she was diagnosed.

“She went to her GP, but because she was so young they didn’t think it was bowel cancer - she was misdiagnosed for months.

“Because the symptoms continued, they sent her for tests and it was then that they found out it was cancer.

“They only gave her six to 12 months to live at the time, so she’s done amazingly well.

“It has been a horrendous journey for her, and she’s had so many cycles of chemotherapy over the years so that she could still be here for her boys.

“Unfortunately, the cancer has now spread into her ribs and the top of her spine.

“She’s fought it so well, and we as a family just want to do what we can to make the time that she’s got left special.”

Lindsey’s final wishes include a trip to the panto with her husband and three sons - who are aged five, seven and 18.

Michelle has set up an online JustGiving campaign aiming to raise £5,000 to enable her to enjoy her last months.

Kind-hearted residents having donated more than £1,500 so far.

She added: “We want to give her an extraordinary time.

“We’re just looking at things that she can do locally and raising funds so that she can do them.

“I asked her about the kind of things that she’d like to do for Christmas if she’s still here then, and one of the things she mentioned was going to the panto.

“She just wants to have a special time with her boys and her husband.

“It would mean the world for her if the boys can look back on this as a special time when they grow up.

“If anyone thinks that they can help us, then we would love for them to get in touch.

“We can’t make Lindsey better, but we can make the time that she has left something that her boys will treasure for the rest of their lives.”

To donate, click here.