A Worcester mum, battling terminal cancer, has experienced the 'best day ever' as she revelled in a bucket list adventure that could mark her final Christmas her joyride.

Ashley Smith, 34, had triumphed over cancer for two years before the devastating relapse into Stage 4 secondary breast cancer.

In a heartwarming gesture to create unforgettable pre-Christmas moments, Ashley, alongside her family, was treated to a bucket list extravaganza by Red Letter Days, in collaboration with Willow Foundation.

The London escapade for Ashley, her husband Alex, and their two children, aged 12 and 10, began with an elegant afternoon tea at Rubens at the Palace, with views of Buckingham Palace.

Midway through indulging their cakes, they were thrilled by a suprise appearance from Duncan James of boy band Blue.

Duncan James, who spent the afternoon with the Smiths, expressed: "It was such a privilege to meet Ashley and her family and surprise her! Her face was a picture when I walked in."

He continued, praising Ashley's resilience: "She's a wonderful woman, wife, and mother, going through a really tough time at the moment and knowing I brought a smile to her face made me really happy. It was a really special day and we've swapped numbers and I hope to see her again soon".

Ashley expressed: "Meeting Duncan James was a particular highlight - me and my mum are the biggest fans and my mum is even saved in my phone as 'Duncan James'. To meet him in person was completely surreal but just as incredible. It was the best day of my life."

After their afternoon with Duncan, the passionate Formula 1 enthusiasts, were treated to a thrilling supercar driving experience.

The day then concluded with an intimate tour of the giraffe house at Woburn Safari Park, where they had the opportunity to feed and interact with the animals, including the UK's oldest giraffe.

Ashley emphasised: "It is so important for me to have as many memories as I possibly can with my family. We're huge animal lovers and F1 fans so the day was exactly what we wanted, and we made special memories that will last forever."

According to research from Red Letter Days, one in six people fear they will be celebrating their last Christmas with a loved one. A spokesperson commented: "Christmas can be an incredibly hard time of year for families who know they'll be celebrating with a loved one for the last time."

"While the holidays often enhance the pain of loss, they also remind us of the importance of cherishing each moment. Special memories become part of the legacy we hold onto and carry us through even the most difficult days."