Cancer sufferer Becci McCafferty waved off fundraisers on a 20-mile sponsored walk and thanked them for their overwhelming support.
The mum-of-six, who has terminal bowel cancer, showed her gratitude to friends, family and strangers by cheering them on at the start of today's walk from Peasedown St John to Cheddar Gorge.
Becci, 30, fought back the tears and said: "I can't thank you enough" as around 50 walkers set off from Peasedown Youth Hub at 9.30am today.
The fundraisers are expected to arrive at Cheddar Gorge at 6pm and raise about £5,000 to support Becci's young family and fund their dream holiday to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Becci, who is well known for her community work, said: "This is absolutely amazing. So many people are taking part, I don't even know some of these faces, they are complete strangers and that is just remarkable.
"I can't put into words how I'm feeling; I'm just so overwhelmed by the support for us as a family. I'm just so grateful that people care."
Becci cheered on the walkers at the starting line alongside daughters; Esmae, six, Ruby, six, Livia, three, and eight-month-old Aurora. Her husband Luke took part in the sponsored walk with their sons Harley, 12, and Braydon, 11.
Becci, who is undergoing chemotherapy, was diagnosed with cancer when she was 24 weeks pregnant with her youngest child and was told the cancer was incurable just before Christmas.
She said: "Being told the cancer was terminal was the most devastating news ever. They can't cure it and all I can think about is the children.
"It's tough on me and Luke but it's ten times worse for the kids. We are just taking one day at a time and trying to be positive.
"That's why we're determined to create memories for the children to have for the rest of their lives. Going to Disney World would be a dream come true for us all."
Councillor Nathan Hartley, who took part in the walk, said: "Today is a huge day. Many of us have not met before but we have come together for a very special person. We are all here today as we want to help; we love Becci, she means a lot to us all."
Karen Walker, friend and vice-chairman of the parish council, said people were keen to help as Becci is a community activist who has campaigned against housing developments and helped to organise Party in the Park and various community clean-ups.
She said: "Becci is a wonderful, inspirational, non-judgmental person and this is the least we could do to help her and her family.
"It's excellent that so many people have come out to take part. Everyone is in such good spirits and the sun is shining."
Fundraising events, including pub quizzes and auctions, have already raised £3,500 for the Fund for Peasedown in just six weeks. The final amount raised will be revealed at a presentation to the McCafferty family at The Waggon and Horses on Saturday, May 17 at 7pm.
For more details about the Fund for Peasedown, email karenwalker3434@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/fundforpeasedown.
The mum-of-six, who has terminal bowel cancer, showed her gratitude to friends, family and strangers by cheering them on at the start of today's walk from Peasedown St John to Cheddar Gorge.
Becci, 30, fought back the tears and said: "I can't thank you enough" as around 50 walkers set off from Peasedown Youth Hub at 9.30am today.
The fundraisers are expected to arrive at Cheddar Gorge at 6pm and raise about £5,000 to support Becci's young family and fund their dream holiday to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Becci, who is well known for her community work, said: "This is absolutely amazing. So many people are taking part, I don't even know some of these faces, they are complete strangers and that is just remarkable.
"I can't put into words how I'm feeling; I'm just so overwhelmed by the support for us as a family. I'm just so grateful that people care."
Becci cheered on the walkers at the starting line alongside daughters; Esmae, six, Ruby, six, Livia, three, and eight-month-old Aurora. Her husband Luke took part in the sponsored walk with their sons Harley, 12, and Braydon, 11.
Becci, who is undergoing chemotherapy, was diagnosed with cancer when she was 24 weeks pregnant with her youngest child and was told the cancer was incurable just before Christmas.
She said: "Being told the cancer was terminal was the most devastating news ever. They can't cure it and all I can think about is the children.
"It's tough on me and Luke but it's ten times worse for the kids. We are just taking one day at a time and trying to be positive.
"That's why we're determined to create memories for the children to have for the rest of their lives. Going to Disney World would be a dream come true for us all."
Councillor Nathan Hartley, who took part in the walk, said: "Today is a huge day. Many of us have not met before but we have come together for a very special person. We are all here today as we want to help; we love Becci, she means a lot to us all."
Karen Walker, friend and vice-chairman of the parish council, said people were keen to help as Becci is a community activist who has campaigned against housing developments and helped to organise Party in the Park and various community clean-ups.
She said: "Becci is a wonderful, inspirational, non-judgmental person and this is the least we could do to help her and her family.
"It's excellent that so many people have come out to take part. Everyone is in such good spirits and the sun is shining."
Fundraising events, including pub quizzes and auctions, have already raised £3,500 for the Fund for Peasedown in just six weeks. The final amount raised will be revealed at a presentation to the McCafferty family at The Waggon and Horses on Saturday, May 17 at 7pm.
For more details about the Fund for Peasedown, email karenwalker3434@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/fundforpeasedown.