A FORMER Thornbury resident is still hoping to raise enough money to have potentially life changing surgery, despite now dealing with the death of her husband.

Mandy Warren, 46, has suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS) for more than four years, and has seen her life transformed beyond recognition.

The neurological condition has left Mandy with extensive mobility difficulties, dependent on carers and she also has difficulty with her speech.

In January Mandy spoke to the Gazette about how she struggled with simple everyday tasks, and how she had been forced to move to a bungalow in Patchway with her husband Malcolm because she could no longer cope with stairs.

Speaking at the time she said: "It’s all those things people take for granted but I can’t do them anymore.

"I am so frustrated. I feel like my life has gone from being a fairly active person to basically a non-existence."

However, in February Malcolm, Mandy’s husband and carer, died after being diagnosed with terminal cancer just before Christmas.

Despite the bereavement the foster mum is still determined to have ground-breaking treatment, which will cost £8,000.

In May Mandy plans to fly to Glasgow to undergo a surgical procedure, which will insert stents into the veins in her neck to improve the flow of blood to and from the brain and alleviate chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).

It is claimed by some experts CCSVI, if left untreated, delays deoxygenated blood leaving the brain, causing a lack of oxygen in the brain, which has been linked to MS.

Anyone who would like to help Mandy in her fundraising efforts should email Orvylfc@blueyonder.co.uk