An ambulance driver is all set to embark on a dream trip of a lifetime - thanks to the fundraising efforts of her friends and family.

Colleagues and patients of 38-year-old Diane Biggs started an emotional cash appeal in July after learning of her battle with ovarian cancer.

And, after just one bumper fundraising event plus a donation, the holiday is booked and the Biggs family are to jet off for the sunshine state of Florida.

Mrs Biggs, who finished her course of chemotherapy on Friday, said she was looking forward to giving Mickey Mouse a big hug at Disneyworld.

"It is wonderful. It has really given me something to look forward to. I am looking forward to everything, but most off all meeting Mickey Mouse."

Mrs Biggs paid tribute to her friends, especially Toni Garside and Ann Burns, who had worked so tirelessly to raise the cash to send the family to Florida next month.

"Everybody has been brilliant. You hear all the time that people don't care about each other anymore and this proves them wrong."

The mother-of-two, who helped save the lives of two teenagers trapped in their burning home two years ago, had always harboured a childhood dream to go to Disneyworld.

Mrs Garside, one of the appeal organisers, said: "It's brilliant news.

"We're not sure the exact total of how much money we've raised, but we've booked the holiday on the strength of funds coming in from an event we're holding next month."

Today, Mrs Biggs was receiving a cheque for £1,101 from Odsal fire station - the proceeds from a fun day held at the station earlier this month.

Station officer Chris Chapman said: "It's smashing that we've been able to give Diane this money."

The rest of the money so far has come from a charity event held in July which raised a staggering £4,019.

Mrs Biggs, of Undercliffe, has worked for West Yorkshire Ambulance Service for six years, driving non-emergency patients to hospital appointments.

She had felt poorly for some time when she suddenly collapsed at the wheel of her vehicle on May 6 this year.

She was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary where doctors discovered a tumour 9ins by 6ins in her abdomen. She had surgery and six courses of chemotherapy.

A race night is also to be held next month to raise money for her and her family to spend while she's away on holiday.

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