YOU big-hearted lot! We always knew Oxford Mail readers were caring and generous but you're really proving it.

Cash is flooding in for our appeal to help ten-year-old twins Ashton and Lauren Mills, whose mum Tobi is dying of cancer.

As the Tobi Mills £10,000 Appeal won global exposure through newspapers, TV and radio yesterday, more than £1,500 poured in.

Tobi said: "I am completely overwhelmed by all the interest and am so grateful to everyone who has offered to help."

Tobi, 43, of Blackbird Leys, is suffering secondary cancer in her liver and has weeks to live. The twins wrote their own advert for new parents after Tobi dies.

Already, scores of families have offered to foster the youngsters, who want to be rehomed with their spaniel Lacey.

Tobi added: "We are all delighted that so many families have come forward and we will meet the most suitable people following advice from the social services.

"I want to be there to meet the different candidates and help Ashton and Lauren make the best possible choice to set them up for the future.

"I will have to bite my lip and help them to make the right decision. There will be tears in all our eyes but we will do this together."

Originally the appeal was to raise money to send the family on a dream holiday to Disney World, Florida. But The Sun newspaper stepped in yesterday to make that dream come true, and now all cash donations can go into a trust fund for the twins.

Family friend Cheryl Chapman, who taught the children and is helping organise fundraising, said: "We have got off to a great start and the money is pouring in."

Tobi added: "We are stunned by all the media interest and have had calls from as far away as Germany and Brazil.

"I am astonished that the story in the Oxford Mail has generated worldwide interest and given me five minutes of fame."

Delighted social services officials said so many families offered to be foster parents as a result of the appeal that other needy youngsters were also likely to find new homes. Spokesman Caroline Jones said: "Other children will get foster homes as a result of Tobi's heartbreaking story and she is delighted that the publicity will have that effect.

"Tobi is being very level-headed about the whole thing because she wants the best for the twins and we will work closely with her to try to ensure the best possible future for the children."

Tobi said she would be delighted if other children gained foster parents as a result of her situation.

One 44-year-old mum-of-nine from Ross-on-Wye phoned the Oxford Mail to offer to take the twins. She said: "I would love to give them a home."

Another man who sent a £5 donation said: "I wish them everything they wish themselves."

At Lloyds Bank in Cowley, where an account has been set up, business banking manager Brian Stovold said: "People are ringing up and bringing in cheques.

"We are delighted to help out with such a good cause."

Pat Southcott, who is manning a phone line for the appeal at the Oxford Carers Centre in Cowley Road, added: "We have been extremely busy." HOW YOU CAN HELP YOU can pledge money on 01865 205192 or by fax on 01865 242569, or at any branch of Lloyds Bank, quoting sort code 30-12-51 and account number 0088442. Cheques should be made payable to The Tobi Mills 10,000 Appeal. Anyone wishing to foster Lauren and Ashton should ring social services on 01865 815347.

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