THE Tobi Mills £10,000 Appeal had a huge boost with an anonymous donation of £1,000.

The fund, which now stands at about £5,000, is growing daily as well-wishers send in cheques, or buy ribbons or stickers in orange and purple - Tobi's choice of colours.

The Tobi Mills £10,000 Appeal was sparked off by Tobi's children, ten-year-old twins Lauren and Ashton, who wrote an advert for new parents to take on them, and their dog, Lacey, when their mum dies.

Single mum Tobi, 43, of Haldene Road, Blackbird Leys, has secondary cancer in her liver. She is delighted with the response from the public.

"I want you to say thank you to all the Oxford Mail readers who have written in and sent donations," said Tobi, whose latest chemotherapy treatment has left her feeling very unwell.

"The letters are very touching. Although I won't be able to write to everyone personally I will try to answer some of them when I'm feeling better."

Despite the donations, Tobi is adamant that the main reason for telling her story remains unchanged.

"I'm staggered at the 170 offers of adoption for the twins and Lacey but the issue is still the same. If I was to win the lottery tomorrow, nothing would change for me, I still have to find the most suitable parents for Ashton and Lauren - ones who are in tune with the way I have parented them, and can carry on that way. The family has got to be right for them.

"I'm full of gratitude for the money though, which I would like to see split evenly between the trust fund for Lauren and Ashton and the community."

You can pledge money on 01865 205192 or by fax on 01865 242569, or at any Lloyds Bank, quoting sort code 30-12-51 and account number 0088442. Cheques should be made payable to The Tobis Mills £10,000 Appeal

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