BRAVE mum Tobi Mills, 43, who has secondary cancer in her liver, has spoken for the first time about the overwhelming response to the appeal fund in her name which the Oxford Mail launched last week.

Tobi, of Haldene Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, said: "I have found it all quite breathtaking. I feel very humbled that the world has taken an interest in my family."

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.

Scores of letters of support, cheques and cash donations have flooded in and the national newspaper, The Sun, stepped in to pay for a holiday in Disneyworld, Florida, for Tobi, the twins and two carers.

Tobi said: "I've found the media interest overwhelming but not intrusive. I just can't understand why so many people have taken such an interest but, in another way, I think events like this make communities care. "It brings people together and I'm just very humbled it's me doing it."

Her story has touched the hearts of people all over the world who have seen newspaper articles and television reports about the family.

Oxford Mail assistant editor Mike Davies spoke about the appeal on Central News South last night.

Tobi, of Haldene Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, said: "Despite all the interest - and I'm staggered at the 170 offers of adoption - 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."

As the appeal fund grows too, Tobi wanted to express her heartfelt thanks for the money which has already poured in - almost £4,000 now.

"I'm full of gratitude. The money will be 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 Tobi Mills 10,000 Appeal.

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