A BRAVE Warrington charity worker who is now fighting an incurable disease has been treated to a feast fit for a queen.

Monica Spence is now confined to a wheelchair as she battles against motor neurone disease - a muscle wasting illness which has rendered her right arm and leg completely useless.

But her plucky spirit has proved so inspirational that she was nominated for a slap-up meal prepared by top Warrington chef Mark King.

An article on Mark, the Lymm Hotel's head chef, appeared in the Guardian last month, when readers were given the chance to nominate someone who they thought deserved a culinary treat.

And Lymm parish councillor, Sheila Woodyatt, grabbed the opportunity to put Monica's name forward for the three course meal which was cooked and served up at Monica's house in Elm Tree Road, Lymm.

Clr Woodyatt said: "Monica is a lovely woman who has done a lot of charitable work in our community over the years.

"She is incredibly bright, cheerful and very brave. She's in there fighting this awful disease and is doing her best to lead a normal life. If anyone deserves some VIP treatment then Monica does."

The masterchef served up a fish starter followed by chicken stuffed with brie cheese and with individual banofee pies to finish.

The 58-year-old, whose illness was diagnosed in June, has spent years on the committees of the NSPCC, RNLI and WVS, raising thousands of pounds for all the charities.

She has also been in charge of Lymm's annual Dickensian Day, in December - this year's will be her last as the organiser.

Mrs Spence was thrilled with her surprise meal which was also served to her two daughters and three neighbours who have helped her in her fight against illness.

"It was a really lovely surprise to be nominated," she said. "I am going to fight this disease right to the end - I've just got too much to live for!"

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