Ashley Smith, 34, from Worcester who has stage 4 breast cancer enjoyed a day out with her family in London
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Terminally ill mum surprised by popstar
A terminally ill mother of two has experienced the ‘best day ever’ as she prepares for what may be her final Christmas, indulging in driving a supercar, feeding giraffes, and receiving a surprise visit from her most-loved pop star.
Ashley Smith, 34, from Worcester, had enjoyed two years cancer-free but is now facing Stage 4 secondary breast cancer.
In an effort to create unforgettable pre-Christmas memories, Ashley and her family were treated to a bucket list adventure, courtesy of Red Letter Days in collaboration with Willow Foundation.
Among her wishes, Ashley wanted to spend a day in London with her husband Alex and their two children, aged 12 and 10.
Their magical day kicked off with afternoon tea at Rubens at the Palace, with views of Buckingham Palace. As Ashley and her loved ones savoured their sweet treats, they were thrilled by an unexpected appearance from Duncan James of boy band Blue.
The pop sensation, who joined the family for the afternoon, expressed: “It was such a privilege to meet Ashley and her family and surprise her! Her face was a picture when I walked in.”
He continued, praising Ashley’s strength: “She’s a wonderful woman, wife, and mother, going through a really tough time at the moment and knowing I brought a smile to her face made me really happy.”
“It was a really special day and we’ve swapped numbers and I hope to see her again soon”.
Ashley gushed: “Meeting Duncan James was a particular highlight – me and my mum are the biggest fans and my mum is even saved in my phone as ‘Duncan James’. To meet him in person was completely surreal but just as incredible. It was the best day of my life.”
As Formula 1 enthusiasts, the family were whisked off to a supercar driving experience for a thrilling race around the track. Then the day culminated with a tour of the giraffe house at Woburn Safari Park, where they had the opportunity to feed and interact with the animals, including the UK’s oldest giraffe.
Ashley emphasised: “It is so important for me to have as many memories as I possibly can with my family. We’re huge animal lovers and F1 fans so the day was exactly what we wanted, and we made special memories that will last forever.”
According to research by Red Letter Days, one in six people fear this Christmas may be their last with a loved one.
A spokesperson commented: “Christmas can be an incredibly hard time of year for families who know they’ll be celebrating with a loved one for the last time. “
“While the holidays often enhance the pain of loss, they also remind us of the importance of cherishing each moment. Special memories become part of the legacy we hold onto and carry us through even the most difficult days.”