A BRAVE woman who has been battling a rare form of cancer has thanked the Malvern community for funding a dream day out to help take her mind off her ordeal.
Kind-hearted customers at Tiger Lou’s Nail Bar in Malvern Link have helped raise enough funds for Mandy Pead and her family to go on a special visit to West Midland Safari Park following her six-month battle with cancer in her mouth.
Mandy’s life took a huge turn in October last year following a routine visit to the dentist.
After a check-up visit, the 53-year-old was taken for further tests at Worcestershire Royal Hospital where she was diagnosed with life-threatening Nasal and Sinus Cancer after a tumour was found inside her mouth.
The condition is rare in the UK with men more likely to suffer from it than women.
Treatment to cure the cancer involved Mandy’s mouth and cheekbones being reconstructed, meaning the mother-of-three was unable to talk to friends and family or walk for a lengthy time.
Following the operation, Mandy is now undergoing a major chemotherapy programme and has made positive strides so far in recovery.
However, unknown to her, staff at Mandy’s local nail salon organised a fund-raising campaign to help put a smile back on her face.
And thanks to generous customers at the Worcester Road nail salon – she will be able to enjoy a VIP trip to the Bewdley safari park and fulfill a life-long dream by feeding sea lions.
“I would like to thank all the customers at Tiger Lou’s Nail Bar – it is very much appreciated,” Mandy told the Observer.
“Amanda Smith (the manager) has been very supportive and to do this for me is a very moving gesture. I can’t thank them enough, it shows how much they care.
I’m looking forward to seeing and feeding the sea lions, it’s going to be a lovely and memorable day for us.”
Mandy revealed the past few months were the hardest she had ever experienced.
“It was very difficult because I could not talk to anybody,” she added.
“It got me down because you feel like you can’t do anything. There have been times when I’ve been worried what the future holds.
“I’ve got three daughters and a partner so I’ve had to fight and keep going. That’s all I can do.”
Amanda Smith, owner of Tiger Lou’s Nail Bar, added: “Mandy is one of my regular clients and we felt it was only right for us to help her in some way to help put a smile on her face.
“We funded just a normal ticket to Mandy but then staff at West Midland Safari Park then got in touch saying they would do a sea lions experience for her and her family which was very pleasing.
“We would like to thank all our customers who helped with the fund-raising, they have shown great community spirit.”
