THE daughter of a Barnsley woman who became the first person in England to die of rabies in almost a decade is launching a fundraising mission to vaccinate dogs in Cambodia - and she says if she can spare just one family the pain they have gone through then it will be worth it.

Following contact with a stray dog while on holiday in Morocco in February, 59-year-old Yvonne Ford, of Redbrook, was diagnosed with the rare virus at Barnsley Hospital.

She was then treated at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield and died on June 11.

Yvonne’s death left a hole in her family and her daughter, 32-year-old Robyn Thomson from Barugh Green, told the Chronicle that the pain she has suffered is ‘unimaginable’.

But she’s hoping to turn the heartbreaking events she has faced into something more positive - by volunteering with Mission Rabies in Cambodia.

They are an award-winning charity run by the Worldwide Veterinary Service which aims to vaccinate dogs and other animals across Asia and Africa.

Robyn told the Chronicle: “She was a fantastic woman.

“The most kind and loving person to all.

“She was the biggest dog and pet lover and would do absolutely anything for anyone.

“I lost my mum to a heartbreaking and completely preventable disease.

“To honour her memory, I’m volunteering with Mission Rabies in Cambodia - helping to vaccinate dogs and educate children to stop the spread of this deadly virus.

“This is something that I need to do.

“If I can save even one life or spare one family the pain we’ve felt, it will turn this tragedy into something meaningful.”

The charity aims to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of the dog population in Asia and Africa in a bid to achieve herd immunity and stop rabies at its source.

They are also aiming to educate children on how to recognise rabid animals and stay safe.

And Robyn is hoping to raise a total of £4,000 to help her on this mission which will see her travel out to Cambodia and work on the frontline.

This year’s campaign will see volunteers travel to Phnom Penh for either one week or two to provide lifesaving protection to locals.

She added: “To take part in this mission, I need to raise funds for travel, accommodation and the cost of joining the campaign.

“Funds raised will go toward travel, accommodation, project fees and educational materials.

“Every donation - no matter the size - brings us one step closer to a world without rabies.

“It honours my mum’s memory by protecting others.”

A total of £800 has been raised to date - and Robyn says that every penny counts.

“I’m determined to transform my grief into action - helping vaccinate dogs, support surveillance efforts and deliver lifesaving lessons in schools,” she added.

“Because of everyone’s generosity, I’ve now secured my place on the trip to Cambodia.

“I’m beyond excited to be part of this journey and ready to make a real difference, one small change at a time.

“I am incredibly grateful for all the donations.”

You can donate here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-mum-fighting-rabies-in-cambodia?attribution—id=sl:a1bb0773-43e8-4dd9-9d63-ff90cbd2ddb6&lang=en—GB&ts=1752662832&utm—campaign=man—sharesheet—dash&utm—content=amp13—t1-amp14—t2&utm—medium=customer&utm—source=copy—link&v=amp14—t2