A BRAVE mum battling cancer who saved up to treat her family to the trip of a lifetime has been hit with a huge insurance bill in order to join them.

Ali Brown, 48, from Rudheath, had hoped to fly to Florida but now needs to pay a further £3,000 for travel and health insurance.

The former club bar manager has raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support to thank the charity for helping her through her illness.

Now, family friend Sarah Buckley wants to repay Ali for her generosity and dedication and has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help her pay the bill.

Mum-of-two Sarah, 45, from Rudheath, said: “Ali has fought a courageous battle with bowel and lung cancer with such bravery and strength.

“Chemotherapy is ongoing but through it all she has raised thousands for Macmillan.

“Ali has saved hard to have the holiday of a lifetime to Florida with her family only to find the £3,000 insurance costs mean it’s now impossible even though it’s booked and paid for. It's extortionate.

“I’m asking everyone to help make Ali’s dream come true.”

Ali says she is indebted to her doctor for sending her for tests four years ago.

The 48-year-old said: “My doctor saved my life because I had no symptoms.

“They found a tumour in my bowel. I have had four operations, two at The Christie, one in Wythenshawe and one in Leighton.

“All the staff are absolutely amazing. They are always at the end of the phone. I’ve had great support all the way.”

Ali, who worked at Rudheath Social Club and Charlie’s Deli, had to give up her job.

“Macmillan gave me a grant and if it wasn’t for them, I don’t know what I would have done,” she said.

“I wanted to give that little bit back to thank them.

“I did coffee mornings and we raised £4,000. Sarah’s mum, Janet, baked and donated all the cakes. She was absolutely brilliant.”

Sarah is now organising a bingo at Rudheath Social Club at 7.30pm on Friday, March 25, and is appealing for prizes.

“Ali is an inspiration,” said Sarah. “She has a positive attitude.

“After all she has been through, she never complains.”

“She is kind hearted and always thinking about others.”

To donate visit gofundme.com/f/alis-wish

Businesses wishing to donate raffle prizes can email Sarah at sarbuck@sky.com