My dying wish is to visit the beach and put my toes in the sand but I can’t afford it over my rising electricity bills

A DYING woman’s final wish was to go to the beach but rising energy bills meant she could not afford it.

Debbie Lacey wants to enjoy an ice cream and a fish-and-chip tea on the sand with her friends and family before she starts radiotherapy for her terminal cervical cancer. 

Friends Nikki Burfitt and Trudy Gormley in Worcester have stepped in to fundraise £500 for the beach trip.

Mrs Gormley said: “She wants to go to the beach, but she hasn’t got the money to do anything.

“She’s always worrying about the electricity, so we want to help her raise the money without worrying about the cost. 

“I’m sure there is plenty she would love to do, but it’s more what we can afford to do. 

“We have no idea which beach, let’s raise the money first, we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.

“We’re not planning something like Disneyland. 

“She’s in a wheelchair right now, but she wants to feel the sand between her toes and eat ice cream.

“We would like to go away for a day or two before her radiotherapy treatment.” 

They wrote on the fundraising page: “She has courageously had chemotherapy  treatment and starts radiotherapy soon to buy her some time to make some lasting memories for her loved ones she will sadly leave behind.”

They will also be holding a charity fundraiser next month to achieve their £500 target.

The event will have a series of funfair games including a raffle and lots of prizes.

They added: “Everyone is welcome and it’s free entry and we will have a bouncy castle, beat the goalie, and sponsored waxing for men.

“We’re trying to get the doorstep princesses to perform for the kids at the event too. 

“The family thinks it’s lovely and nice for the community to get involved.”

Supporters can donate to the fundraiser here.