Bucket list fundraiser set up for inspirational West Yorkshire vet nurse with incurable disease

Laura Turnbull, 32, contracted breast cancer in 2015 and has since courageously undergone reconstruction, a mastectomy, chemotherapy and many other surgeries.

In March 2019, she was given the news that the cancer was at Grade 4 and had spread to her vertebrae and ribs.

Her disease has a general two to five year life expectancy.

However, defiant Laura has bravely shared her experience and story with many on social media.

Her friend has now set up a GoFundMe fundraiser in order for her to achieve her 'bucket list' dreams.

On the page, Laura bravely said: "Of course I don't want to die, but we all will at some point, so at least I have time to accept it, right?

"I am still hopeful there will continue to be new trials new treatments to keep me going.

"I post a lot about cancer and my diagnosis.

"I never wanted this to be what defines me, however for the past five and a half years it has been a massive part of my life - so it is here, it is part of who I am now, and it hasn't all been bad!

"I have grown massively as a person.

"It has forced me to work on my mental health (something we all need to do more of) and actually improved it and I hope I can pass that on.... There is always work to be done on this."

Laura, a veterinary nurse from Huddersfield, said her personal experiences has improved her ability in the role.

She added: " My nurses got me through all of this rubbish and if I can help an animal along the way I will do my absolute best.

"It has brought so many amazing people in to my life and highlighted the good ones I already had.

"They are truly amazing and I am so lucky.

"I appreciate everything.

"I am grateful for what I have."

Laura has now set her sights on achieving a number of things on her bucket list.

She wants to accomplish many goals, including climbing to Everest Base Camp.

Laura, who works at Paragon referral hospital in Wakefield, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I want to do up a camper van, camp and travel to France and Italy with my dog.

"Hopefully next year I want to climb to Everest Base Camp.

"I want to run a marathon.

"I had booked to do the Liverpool rock and roll marathon in May but it was cancelled due to corona virus and then I had progression, it has been deferred to next May so hopefully I can do it then!

"I really want to take my mum and sister on a nice holiday to Italy as they have suffered just as much if not more than me these past 5 years!

"I'd love to see Bon Jovi Live and watch a show on Broadway."

An original target of £700 has been smashed, with more than £1,300 being raised by the time of writing.

To donate on the GoFundMe page, click here.A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins