GUARDIAN ROSE: Heartfelt award for mum of terminally-ill son

Whether that be kind words, a small token gesture or a gift.

At this current time, it hard to think of a more worthy recipient for this week’s Guardian Rose award - from Walkers House of Flowers in Worksop - than a heartbroken mum whose son is terminally ill.

By now you will all probably be familiar with the story of 22-year-old Worksop man Liam Buckley who has bowel cancer.

Recently we have covered the fundraising efforts of his friends and family, and even complete strangers, who have dug deep to try and help send Liam to the seaside.

The F1 fanatic and Manchester United football supporter is no longer responding treatment and his last wish to visit the coast with his family.

Just today, a donation of £500 was given to ‘Liam’s Dream Fund’ - an online fundraising page set-up by family friend Debbie Johnston-Sparkles.

The page has now received more than £2.700 in donations, raised by 103 people in just 24 days.

Liz Langley, who nominated Liam’s mum Janet for the rose, told the Guardian: “I have known Janet for quite a while.”

“She has always been a very strong person.”

“For her to be going through what she is must be a mother’s worse nightmare.”

“I just wanted her to know that lots of us are thinking about her,” she added.

Liz kept the rose nomination a secret by arranging for Debbie’s mum, Joy Sweeney, to meet Janet at Starbucks in Worksop, before surprising her with the award.

“She burst out crying,” Liz said.

“She is a very caring person.”

“We are all thinking of her.”

Janet’s son Liam also made a surprise appearance, after being contacted by Debbie.

“I messaged Liam’s sister Emma and she let him know what was happening and he said that he felt okay to come along,” Debbie said.

“Nobody deserves it more than Janet, it is heartbreaking.”

“It is just to show that people are out there and they care.”

The founder of one holiday charity who provides free fun-filled memory making holidays for families affected by serious illness and bereavement has come forward and businesses in Worksop have kindly offered to have collection tins on their front counters. People can also visit our reception on Ryton Street to make a donation.

Liz added: “It is important to try and create awareness as soon as possible so that they can go away.”

“If people can give just a few pounds, anything that can help.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/xex8xg to make a donation.