Huge support for brave dying woman

Natalie Murphy with her 2-year-old son Jackson. Photo / Richard Robinson

A woman who has been given just a few weeks to live after being diagnosed with breast cancer has been flooded with offers of help to make the rest of her life special.

The Herald has received more than 150 offers of donations, among other more extravagant gifts such as helicopter rides.

Many said Natalie Murphy's story about making the most of the little time she had left, published in the Weekend Herald, left them moved and inspired by her courage and attitude towards her unimaginable situation.

The day before her son was born in July 2009, Mrs Murphy found a lump in her breast, then five months later she was told she had cancer.

The 34-year-old was later told by her surgeon that it had spread to her spine and liver and her condition was terminal.

She was given between two and five years to live.

But just over a week ago she was told she would be lucky to live two more months.

So she made the decision to live every day to its fullest and also asked for help to pay for her funeral so her husband of almost 10 years, Greg, and 2-year-old son, Jackson, did not have to worry about the costs.

Mrs Murphy said she wanted to go strawberry-picking with her son, take her husband on a helicopter ride, spend a week at Omaha at her cousin's bach and go to the Langham Hotel and have high tea with her mum.

The Herald has received offers to help her achieve all of these things - all of which have been passed on to Mrs Murphy.

Chester Rendell generously offered his holiday home in Paihia to Mrs Murphy and her family and said he could accommodate some sightseeing trips, and perhaps a helicopter ride as well.

Jo Cooper said she was moved to tears after reading Mrs Murphy's story. She offered to fund a trip for her and her mother to the Langham Hotel for high tea.

Another woman said her uncle grew strawberries in Whenuapai and was happy to arrange a visit for young Jackson and Mrs Murphy.

Martha-Louise Asmus, who owns Manning Funerals, offered to donate a casket worth $1500 to Mrs Murphy and her family to help them out with the funeral costs.

As well, offers of jewellery, photography services, champagne and food have been made for the New Year's Day ceremony Mr and Mrs Murphy have planned to renew their vows to one another.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

* Natalie & Greg Murphy
BNZ 02-0238-0116716-97

* Trust Acct: Hand in Hand for Natalie
02-1244-0070800-000

* www.helpnat.com