A WOMAN with terminal cancer has been left distraught after her beloved dog was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart and liver problem.

Sharon Browne, 45, of Lapal Close, St John’s, Worcester, who has breast cancer, needs to raise about £8,000 for an operation to save six-month-old Yorkshire terrier Barney.

The worry has ruined preparations for her wedding to fiancé Adam Towler on Friday, December 18 – and the pair are now appealing for donations.

Vet bills have already run to £1,000 and could even top £10,000, a sum the couple cannot afford after “being let down” by their pet insurance cover.

Miss Browne said: “It would mean everything to me if we could save Barney – he is like a child to me.

“He has kept me going through a really bad year and I don’t know how I would cope without him.

“Barney is a little ray of sunshine who has brought me hope and lots of love.

“We took out pet insurance but the firm will not cover the operation, treatment or medication. This means that we might have to put him down, which would be heart-breaking.

“But if we can raise enough money or maybe a vet will be willing to help then maybe it won’t come to that.”

She added that her family had “gone through hell” over the past few years.

Not only did breast cancer spread throughout her body, preventing her from working for 18 months. But Mr Towler was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, meaning he has to take days off from time to time.

The couple therefore are on a “really tight budget” – and cannot afford the life-saving hepatic shunt operation Barney needs.

Instead they are urging animal-loving members of the public to support their appeal.

A fundraising page has been set up to promote the campaign.

It features an emotional message from Barney himself, stating: “I was supposed to have an operation in January but as the insurance will not cover this I can't anymore.

“I'm currently on medication to keep me going but I will need an operation soon and that is why I'm here.

“I want to bring more smiles and love to my family for many years and I know you can help me.”

To donate visit fundrazr.com and search for ‘keep little Barney alive’.