'My dream is one step closer' - £10,000 raised to fund holiday for 20-year-old Jade after devastating cancer diagnosis

Jade Shovlin, 20, from Roker was diagnosed on May 22 with cancer of the oesophagus which doctors said is incurable.

She was told following her diagnosis that she has less than two years to live, leaving those close to her devastated.

Jade has always wanted to go on holiday and visit Pig Beach in the Bahamas so friend and colleague Deanne Earl created a fundraiser to help achieve her dream.

Now that dream is one step closer after more than £10,000 was raised and a stranger stepped in to help.

Canadian author T.R Todd wrote a book about the infamous swimming pigs who live on an island in the Bahamas.

When he and resort owner Peter Nicholson saw Jade’s story online he contacted her and has offered to help arrange an all expenses paid trip.

Jade was delighted when they got in touch.

She said: “I honestly couldn’t believe it, it is such a weird situation.

“He put me in contact with the owner of the Grand Isle Resort in The Bahamas who has offered me the chance to stay for free.

“I can’t fly until next year but I feel like my dream is closer, it is just a shame about having to wait.”

The care home worker has started treatment after the devastating diagnosis and said she is trying to take the heartbreaking news in her stride.

She said: “I’m just taking it on the chin, it hasn’t really sunk in for me yet.

“I feel more for my friends and family, especially my mam and boyfriend.

“I’ve just been keeping myself busy and trying not to focus on it too much.”

Jade’s fundraiser has raised over £11,000, she has thanked people for donating.

“I really didn’t expect it to raise as much money as it has and I can’t thank everyone enough.

“Now I’ve been offered the free stay, the money will be spent on flights and spending money when we arrive.”

You can view the fundraiser for Jade by clicking here.

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