A HUSBAND and father whose wife has life-limiting cancer says he has been "absolutely amazed" by the response of public after who raised just over £2,400 in ten days so the family could go to Disneyland Paris.

Former soldier Steve Timms, 30, originally from Shildon but now living in Hartlepool, explained he and his wife, Steffi, 38, had never been on honeymoon and his wife had always wanted to take her two children to Disneyland.

Mrs Timms, whose children Estella and Chiara are 15 and 14, has had cancer twice before in 2013 and 2015, but the family were hopeful they would have years together when she was given the all clear after having her bladder removed last year.

The Northern Echo:

However, she was diagnosed with the disease for a third time on January 2 this year. The prognosis is very poor, although she is receiving chemotherapy in an attempt to slow down the progress of the cancer.

Mr Timms, who served twice in Afghanistan and once in Iraq as a Lance Corporal, is currently unemployed after the family returned from Germany - where Mrs Timms comes from - late last year, although he hopes to get his old job back at BT Openreach.

He said the couple were interviewed by a researcher for the 52 Lives website which focusses on people with serious illness. On hearing the story the online journalist suggesting going for crowd-funding on the GoFundMe website so the family could finally take the children to Disneyland. Family and friends and even complete strangers have contributed.

Mr Timms, who has previously lived in Newton Aycliffe, said: "We never even had a honeymoon. Steffi planned the wedding when I was in Afghanistan and after it was over I had to go to Iraq. She has always wanted to take the kids to Disneyland Paris and I just wanted her and the kids to have that. I've booked it for April.

"There was £1,000 raised in just 48 hours. It's quite amazing. We're so grateful."

Mr Timms added: “Steffi is trying to live day by day to the full but she finds some days a struggle, as she feels her body is slowly shutting down.

"She went into hospital with bowel pain but then I got the call to go to the hospital. It was just so devastating.

The Northern Echo:
Hartlepool mother Steffi Timms, who has cancer

"The Royal British Legion are taking us to the Lake District for a few days and we want to go to Paris for a day. We're trying to build up some good family memories for the children."

The GoFundMe page has been set up for Steffi at gofundme.com/steffisholiday