A TERMINALLY ill mum says she has been reduced to tears by the kindness of strangers – as well as her many friends – after the community rallied round to support her in spectacular style.

Malmesbury mum Anneliese Bushnell, 42, was given her diagnosis in May after the breast cancer she had in 2014 spread to her spine, hips and femurs.

After treatment and emergency surgery, she is now struggling to walk and has decided to move back to Essex to be near her family.

In order to allow her and 11-year-old daughter Mia to leave Malmesbury with some positive, lasting memories, she made an online appeal to residents for support.

Offers of help soon came flooding in, ranging from free photoshoots, lunches out and an opportunity to go flying in a plane.

Reacting to the response from the community, Anneliese said: “I am utterly overwhelmed by Malmesbury’s generosity and desire to help two relative strangers.

“Complete strangers wanting to help us restores your faith in humanity. It has reduced me to tears to read all the comments and offers.

“This is why we will find it so hard to leave Malmesbury.

“There simply isn’t a town like it.”

In a message to the people who have supported her, she said: “You have come to my rescue at a time of need and Mia and I will remember that kindness for the rest of our lives.

“I’ve not seen Mia smile so much in ages. Malmesbury I am truly humbled by your response. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

The Activity Zone in Malmesbury is also organising a pool party for Mia and 25 of her friends this weekend for free, with food and drink all paid for. Krista Davies, of The Activity Zone, said: “We’d seen the post on Facebook and thought is there anything we can do.

“We thought we’d take Mia’s mind off it, throw her a party and give her a nice break from the worry.”

To help with the cost of buying a wheelchair, Malmesbury charity Heals started an online appeal for residents to donate to.

The campaign received £750 overnight after its launch last week, and the total now stands at more than £2,350. Heals general manager Alison Cross-Jones said: “I know Anneliese and her daughter and I’ve had family who’ve fought and lost the battle with cancer, I know how this disease affects people.

“Heals is about helping people when they need help and co-ordinating that help. It’s what we do.”

Anneliese added: “I’m blown away by the responses to help fund our removal costs. It’s a bit tight as a single parent not working owing to cancer, this really helps.”

To support Anneliese and Mia, visit gofundme.com/malmesburyfamily