A TERMINALLY ill mum who appealed for help to plan her dream wedding has been “overwhelmed” with offers of support.

Ashlee Meecham, aged 29, received 500 emails after appearing in last week’s Bury Times seeking help to fulfil her dying wish of getting married to long-term boyfriend Neil Disley.

Readers came forward with all kinds of offers, including white doves to be released at the ceremony, wedding rings, a bouquet, photography, and hair and make-up services.

Carolynne Poole, one of last year’s X Factor finalists, will sing at Ashlee’s wedding reception in May after reading about her plight on Twitter.

Many people also offered help after reading last week’s article online, including on the Facebook group for wedding fairs organised by Newsquest North West, which incorporates the Bury Times.

Ashlee even received offers of donations from soldiers in Afghanistan and a card from a well-wisher in Dubai.

Ashlee, who grew up in Radcliffe and attended Gorsefield Primary School, said: “I’m overwhelmed by all the support. I have been blown away and my heart is bursting with gratitude. I can’t believe the reaction I’ve had. I’m so astonished.

“People have been offering their own wedding and bridesmaid dresses and I never expected that.

“I have almost got everything I need now. I really want to thank every single person for all the offers, messages, thoughts and prayers.”

Ashlee and Neil, along with their three-year-old daughter Miley, spent a long weekend in Paris, where Neil, aged 29, proposed to Ashlee during a cruise on the River Seine.

She said: “It was lovely. It was very romantic.”

Ashlee, who now lives in Little Lever, is busy replying to all the emails and working with a wedding planner, who also came forward after the appeal.

She will start taking chemotherapy tablets next week, but doctors have told her they will not be able to cure the cancer.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, 2010, just six months after giving birth to Miley, and doctors found it had spread to her bones and organs last month.

Ashlee was given just 18 months to live and wants to create lots of memories for her family, especially her daughter.

She hopes to survive for her 30th birthday in April and to see Miley start school in September.

l A series of fundraisers are being organised to help with Ashlee and Neil’s wedding and their future.

One of her bridesmaids, Rebecca Warwick, is holding a fundraising night at 7.30pm on Friday, March 29, at Radcliffe Borough’s social club. Tickets cost £10 and include a hot supper.

To buy tickets or to donate a raffle prize, contact Rebecca on 07954 894506 or email markbeth@tiscali.co.uk.

A festival will be held in Bolton town centre on Monday, April 1, with several venues planning to host live music, comedians and other entertainment.

Proceeds will be donated to Ashlee and Derian House children’s hospice.

Musicians wishing to perform or anyone wishing to find out more can contact Steve Hoyle on 07515 509032 or stephenhoyle @ntlworld.com.

Family friend, Gill Browne, will have her hair shaved off at 6pm tomorrow at TLC hair salon, in Mile Lane, Bury, to raise money for The Christie’s mobile chemotherapy unit.