THE family of a wife and mother-of-six are delighted that she has been given hope by a new cancer treatment.
Musician Annie Filler was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in February 2023.
Since then, she has fought as hard as she can with the support of her friends and family.
Annie, 53, is a keen musician and has been a singer for 15 years.
She has her own R&B band, Miss Annie & The Midnight Shift; she also sings in a trio called The Fifanellas, singing with her two lifelong best friends.
Annie loves everything old that has character, she has her own dress-making business making vintage-inspired Hawaiian clothing.
She met her husband while performing, and they have been together for 11 years.
Darren said: "We are inseparable; she is everything to me.
"She is the kind of person who lights up a room, she is fun, interesting and full of colour."
Annie has undergone two different rounds of chemotherapy, but neither was successful.
In November, the family received the news that the cancer had spread.
Annie decided to stop all treatment, as it was taking its toll on her quality of life.
The family from Highcliffe were told that it was likely that Annie would not make it to Christmas, so they brought it forward to celebrate the occasion together.
They have since received the positive news that two drugs could benefit Annie's cancer.
Her husband, Darren Filler, said: "That call gave us hope, encouragement and strength, a chance and a lifeline."
The drugs which Annie needs are called Avastin and Lonsurf, which are unfortunately not available on the NHS if taken together.
Therefore, the family must fund them, costing £5,780 per month.
Annie's husband has set up a GoFundMe page to raise enough money for ten months of treatment initially.
Darren said: "We are delighted that we have been given another chance because we were told Annie wasn't going to make it to Christmas.
"If we have to pay for it, then we will pay for it."
So far, the GoFundMe has brought Annie over £58,000.
When asked about the amount raised, Annie said: "I am so overwhelmed by all the people who have donated. It has just been fantastic."
Darren added: "I'm so touched by all the help and donations."
To donate to the fundraiser search for 'Darren Filler: I need to talk to you about Annie (gofundme.com)'.
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