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Thousands raised for wedding of Larkfield resident Linda Boniface who has terminal cancer

By: Charlie Harman

Published: 14:48, 28 March 2021

Updated: 19:01, 28 March 2021

Thousands have been raised for a mum-of-three who has been told she likely has six to nine months to live.

Linda Rose Boniface was told on March 5 that her aggressive breast cancer had returned and spread, causing lesions.

Linda Boniface hopes to get married to long-term partner Mark in the next couple of weeks

With about 12 of them throughout her brain, her only treatment options are life-prolonging but they will not heal her.

Upon being told how long she likely had left, the Larkfield resident and long-time partner Mark Boniface decided they would get married.

She says she "stole" his surname when their 12-year-old son Riley was born.

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Having been together since 2006, the 52-year-old said: "We've always talked about it but never seriously.

"After I was given my first diagnosis of breast cancer in July 2019, we were laying in bed one night and I asked 'Do you fancy getting married?'

"He said 'yes', but then my treatment happened and Covid happened and so everything just got in the way."

The couple have been together since 2006, with son Riley now 12-years-old

However, with the recent terminal diagnosis, the couple and Riley want that dream to finally become a reality.

The former bereavement counsellor is now hoping to get married in her back garden in about two weeks' time, requiring special permission from her GP.

A JustGiving campaign was then set up to aid this plan by friend and fellow member of breast cancer support group Titastic, Kim Linkstead.

Initially, it was hoped they could raise £1,500 for the event but the total has since skyrocketed.

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As of Saturday, it stood at £5,038 donated by 184 supporters.

Linda, who has herself raised thousands for cancer support charities, is in awe at the generosity.

She said: "I'm just absolutely gobsmacked. I'm the sort of person who raises money for charity and I'm really humbled by it."

Linda and Mark have been together since 2006, and are looking forward to getting married as soon as possible

She particularly noted how much it will ease her mind in leaving behind Riley and her two daughters.

She added: "I'm not usually someone who accepts charity but I've had to change my outlook in the last couple of weeks, and think about the fact I have a young son who has got older parents.

"He's going to need as much financial support as possible."

"I'm at peace with my diagnosis, but my biggest concern is that I have three children and three grandchildren and I want to leave money behind for them.

The money raised will not only go towards their wedding, but will also cover funeral costs.

To donate, click here for the JustGiving page.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

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