Mum suffering terminal cancer thanks Hartlepool for making holiday dream come true

The 38-year-old, who has terminal cancer, keeps hugging people in gratitude for the way they supported her family’s plans for a break to Disneyland.

And top of the hug list are officials from Hartlepool charity Miles for Men who donated £1,500, including spending money.

It means Steffi, husband Steve Timms, 30, and daughters Estrella, 15, and Chiara, 14, can head to the Paris resort in April.

“It’s amazing,” said Steffi. “I have been in tears so much and I keep hugging and saying thank you.”

Steffi described herself as “the giving person normally - the person who puts money into every collection bucket. To get something back and to have the feedback I have had, I am over the moon. I never expected anything like that.”

Steffi’s story came to light when husband Steve launched a fundraising campaign with a £3,000 target to fund the Disneyland trip.

Steve had already raised £2,400 but the rest of the money - and cash to spend - has now been given by town charity Miles for Men which helps people with cancer.

Charity founder Michael Day said: “When you see a story like this, you have to help.”

The charity’s promotions manager Kevin Hill said: “It is nice to put a smile on people’s faces.”

The five-day holiday will also be the couple’s honeymoon following their marriage in 2008, as they did not take a break at the time.

Steffi admitted: “I have had days of not being so well. Today, I am having a good day.”