Two best friends are embarking on a life saving mission as a woman with cancer is being denied treatment.

Karen Woodward from Buckhurst Hill made the dream move to Florida 23 years ago but has found herself in a living nightmare, now that she is stuck with no health insurance and no money for the treatment that she urgently needs.

Six weeks ago Karen’s world fell apart when she diagnosed with breast cancer but told that she would not be allowed any medical help.

Since then, Karen and Gill Prince, both 50, have been fighting from either side of the Atlantic to try to get help before the disease spreads.

Ms Woodward left her home in the High Road due to the success of her real estate business, but when recession struck in 2010, she lost it all.

To make matters worse Ms Woodward’s husband left her and her two children, resulting in her cancelling her health policy, last year, which was costing her $1200 per month, now she says that she simply does not know where to turn.

She said: “For the last two years I have just been surviving, I sold all of my stuff for us to get by, I’ve pulled all my resources and there’s nothing left. I was just getting back on my feet and then I felt this lump.

“To remove the lump it costs $10,040 and thanks to my friends we have managed to raise $9,000, but there’s a long way to go. A double mastectomy will cost $90,000.

“I’ve been negotiating like a car dealer. In America if you pay cash up front you can get up to 75 percent off.

“If I come home to England I have nowhere to go and I would have to leave my children and grandchild behind, even then I don’t know how long I would have to wait for treatment.

“I paid into the American system for 23 years but it counts for nothing. They are going to leave me to die if I don’t come up with the money.”

At the height of Ms Woodward’s career she was offered millions of dollars for her business which owned property in Cyprus, Spain, Turkey and Florida.

Best friend Mrs Prince, who now lives in Roydon, thinks that Ms Woodward’s past should count for something.

She said: “This is a woman who employed hundreds of people and paid taxes here and in America.

“It means nothing. Nobody will help, we have been fundraising but we need help.

“I have been writing to MPs and senators.”

If Ms Woodward returns to the UK she will have to pay for the flights with no guarantee that she will be treated in time. She will also have to leave her daughters aged 21 and 17, and her one year old granddaughter.

Ms Woodward says that despite the illness she is overwhelmed with the support from her friends and family.

She said: “My daughter says every day, don’t worry mum we will find a way.

“Gill is the best friend I could ask for, she’s amazing and I am so blessed to have her as my life long best friend. Forty-three years and counting.

“It’s funny, I don’t feel unwell. But how long is that going to last?”

Anyone who would like to check Karen's fundraising progress can visit https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/bf72/pleasehelpsupportkarensbreastcancerfund?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_share_stream.share&utm_campaign=vanity_page_T1&fb_ref=901149.