A BRAVE Barrhead mother-of-two battling four types of cancer has thanked the town's people for their unwavering support.

Doctors told 39-year-old Lesley Graham she had only months left to live earlier this year after cancer spread from her breast to her brain, liver and ribs.

Having initially had her breast removed when diagnosed last year, routine blood tests showed the cancer had returned and Lesley was given just four to six months to spend with her husband Colin, 47, and daughters Charlotte, 14, and Rebekah, 11.

But, with the help of her family, friends and the local community, an appeal was launched to help grant Lesley access to Kadcyla – a drug that is not available in Scotland due to its high cost – which can extend a patient's life by months, if not years.

It was the level of support she received which inspired Lesley to write a heartfelt plea to Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robison asking for access to the drug.

Though the NHS initially denied her request, Lesley was backed by her oncologist and refused to give up.

As a result of her dogged determination, health board chiefs agreed to pay for Lesley's first three bouts of treatment, the first of which began on June 7.

Costing £15,000 per round, the Kadcyla drug could help Lesley live to see her little girls grow up.

So far, more than 850 people have raised over £21,500 in just two months to try and provide Lesley with a back-up plan should she require further bouts of treatment.

Lesley admitted she struggles for words to show her appreciation to all those who have stood by her and said: "I can't thank them enough for their generosity, support and love.

"I could never show my gratitude to them but it really has helped with the kids, Colin and I and my whole family.

"I can only say to them I'm doing my very best to make this treatment work for me and hopefully I'll be here a lot longer than what the doctors have told me."

The NHS' initial refusal was a cruel blow to a mum who just wants to be given the chance to raise her daughters.

Lesley is thankful to her vast support network for continuing to be there for her when she needs it most.

She said: "I'm proud to stay here because the people are amazing and I think it's probably struck a chord because I am an ordinary mum with two kids.

"So are many others and this could happen to anybody. I think it's brought the community closer together. That's why I'm more determined than ever that this treatment will work for me.

"To be told there's something that can possibly help you and then be told that someone's made the decision that you're not going to be given that help, with everything else that you're dealing with, is sickening – I think that's where my fight came in.

"I'm pretty much willing to sell my soul to the devil to live longer to be with my kids. I don't want to back down because if I get too upset then the cancer's winning and it's never going to win."

The remarkable levels Lesley has gone to with her campaign to raise awareness about the Kadcyla drug have earned her a meeting with the Scottish Health Secretary on June 30.

To donate to Lesley's 'Making magical memories' page, visit www.gofundme.com/2nq2y8xg.