“Hopefully we can watch a miracle.”

Those are the words of a mum after a Hampshire community rallied round to raise £30,000 to help her battle cancer.

That money will be used to fund alternative therapies that could prolong her life.

Former footballer’s wife Emma Bailey has been overwhelmed by the level of support for a major fundraising drive launched after the local community learned she was seriously ill.

And she has said an emotional “thank you” to all the villagers who pulled together for the fund raising drive.

Four years ago the 39-year-old mother-of-three was diagnosed with melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer.

The disease spread to one of her lungs and earlier this year she received the devastating news that tumours had also been found in her liver and spine.

People living near her home in the New Forest launched a campaign to fund a new type of immunotherapy that is not available on the NHS.

But Emma suffered a severe reaction to the treatment and spent six weeks in SouthamptonGeneral Hospital during the summer.

The money raised by friends and well-wishers is now being used to finance alternative therapies that aim to give her precious extra time with her husband John, the couple’s 16-year-old daughter Lauren and their two 14-year-old twins, Toby and Georgia.

John is a former member of AFC Bournemouth and is the only player to have scored for the club at Wembley.

Emma, who lives between Sway and Lymington, added: “I was misdiagnosed three times before they discovered that I had stage three melanoma.

“The immunotherapy made me incredibly ill - I was bed-ridden for three months. As a result it’s back to a more natural route but that’s not cheap.”

Emma, a patient at the Dove Clinic in Winchester, is having treatment that includes ozone therapy, intravenous doses of vitamin C and a detox.

She said: “The money raised has given me the gift of being able to say ‘yes’ to these treatments without putting pressure on my young family. The power of positivity I’ve felt from everyone coming together has been incredible.”

In an emotional message to supporters of the campaign she added: “Thank you all. Hopefully together we can watch a miracle.”

One of the main fundraising events held so far was an outdoor party called Life is for Living.

Held in a large field at Brockenhurst it included an auction of prizes donated by big-hearted local businesses and raised £14,200. Marathons and sponsored walks, coupled with donations from charities and individuals, have taken the total to more than £30,000.

Since her illness was confirmed Emma has had countless scans, plus a series of major operations.

One of her best friends, Annie Shapcott, said: “She’s a lovely person and the campaign just snowballed. Virtually everyone we asked to help said ‘yes’ immediately.

“For a long time after Emma’s diagnosis she was very self-contained - just managing everything and getting on with life in a happy, positive way.

“It’s only been in the last few months that she has started to struggle.

“The worst thing about melanoma is that it’s very aggressive and you never know where the cancer will spread, so it’s incredibly difficult to treat.

“But Emma has done everything she can to stay on top of her condition. She never complains or expresses any bitterness, which is remarkable.”

Earlier this month Cherries manager Eddie Howe took part in a major fundraising event staged by the club at its ground.

He told guests: “The evening has provided a chance for us to show that ex-players like John, and his wife Emma, are still very much part of the AFC Bournemouth family.”

Since her illness was first diagnosed Emma has had countless scans, plus a series of major operations.

But her sister, Sarah White, said: “Through all this she has never swayed from her role as a loving wife, mother and friend and has remained unbelievably positive and brave.”

Further fundraising events are planned, with Emma’s supporters pledging to continue collecting cash for as long as she needs it.

To make a donation go online and visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emmabailey77. Alternatively send a cheque made payable to Emma Bailey Foundation to 7 Sway Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7SH.