A DETERMINED son has raised thousands of pounds to help his mum enjoy her remaining months after she was given a terminal diagnosis.

David Mayfield from Shoreham said the past few weeks have been “the worst time of my life” after his mother Debby was told she has between three and six months left to live.

Debby, who grew up in Shoreham but now lives in Hastings, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer which has spread to her liver.

The 60-year-old, who has a background in nursing and works as a personal carer for a patient with dementia, had to give up her job after the diagnosis.

Her son David, 33, said: “I was on holiday when mum got the bad news. It’s awful as it came completely out of the blue.

“One minute you’re OK and the next thing you know you have a cap on your life. It’s horrendous.”

David, who works as a firefighter in London and Shoreham, set up a crowdfunding campaign to help his mum financially after she had to stop working and to help her enjoy the time she has left.

He said: “My step dad Kev is only working limited hours so I started a fundraiser to help them out so they don’t have to worry, and to help mum complete her bucket list.

“Mum is caring and so well-loved – the GoFundMe page says it all. The response has been incredible.

“I’ve had emails from people I don’t even know who grew up with her to say they’re devastated.”

David has raised more than £5,000 and has already arranged trips so the family can spend some quality time together.

Debby is currently working on her bucket list, which includes sky diving, going out for an afternoon tea and even getting her first tattoo.

David said: “We’ve booked so many nice things for mum already.

“She’s booked to go to the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne for a night and we’re also going on a trip to Port Lympne in Kent for a little holiday. Whatever she wants to do, we’ll do.

“Someone we don’t even know saw our mum’s story and has donated £200 to take off the bill for her stay at the Grand.

“People’s kindness really shows up at this time.”

David, who had to postpone his wedding in May due to the coronavirus crisis, has arranged to have a blessing at St Mary’s Church in Shoreham so his mum can attend.

He said: “Mum has been very strong and positive. I can’t even bear to think about it but she’s done so well. She’s done what she always does, which is to be more concerned about everyone else.”

To donate to David’s fundraising campaign for Debby, go to his GoFundMe page.

David has also organised an event to raise money for his mum and the Fire Fighters Charity. Crews will carry a 13.5 metre fire service ladder weighing 100kg from Shoreham Fire Station to Brighton Palace Pier at 11am on Saturday, September 26.

To donate, go to the crowdfunding page.