A TERMINALLY ill mum-of-two from Worcester has had the 'best day ever' ahead of potentially her last Christmas.
Ashley Smith had been cancer-free for two years before receiving the news it had returned. It is now classified as Stage 4 secondary breast cancer.
The 34-year-old, her husband Alex and two children, aged 12 and 10, were treated to a bucket-list experience from gifting company Red Letter Days.
Ashley's day started with a luxury afternoon tea at the regal Rubens at the Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace, where the family received a surprise visit from one of Ashley's all time favourite celebrities, Duncan James.
The Blue band member joined the family for tea, sharing his phone number with Ashley and inviting her and the family to his upcoming tour. Tea was followed by an afternoon exploring London's famous landmarks, dinner at Benihana Covent Garden and a luxurious overnight stay at The Dixon in Tower Bridge.
Duncan James, said: "It was such a privilege to meet Ashley and her family and surprise her. Her face was a picture when I walked in. 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."
As avid Formula 1 fans, Ashley also took part in a supercar driving experience, cruising Ferraris and Lamborghinis around the track. The day culminated with a VIP tour around the giraffe house at Woburn Safari Park, where Ashley and her family met and fed the giraffes, including the oldest giraffe in the UK.
Ashley added: "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. 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."