A CANCER sufferer who has been stranded in America for the past four weeks is expected to fly home today.

Phoebe Morley, of Ewood, Blackburn, has been cared for at a hospital in Kissimmee, Florida, after she was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney and bowel while on a two-week holiday with husband Peter and daughter Michelle.

Mrs Morley, who was 76 yesterday, had been due to return earlier this week but was too ill to travel.

Arrangements have now been made to bring her back by air ambulance. She is expected to arrive at Blackpool Airport later today and then be admitted to Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Her other daughter, Susan Wilson, flew to America yesterday to be by her side, fearing her mother may not survive the flight back.

Mrs Morley's return has been organised by Bedford-based firm Network Air Ambulance and Rescue Services, which specialises in returning sick people from abroad.

The £20,000 costs are being met by money raised for the family by people touched by their plight.

Prince Azim of Brunei donated £16,000.

Mrs Morley was diagnosed with cancer after she was struck down with gallstones. During an operation to removed her gall bladder the cancer was discovered.

Her medical bill has run into more than £70,000 but because she had not declared her condition to her insurers they refused to pay out. Mrs Morley had been diagnosed with gallstones before she flew out to America.

The tour operator, which sold the insurance policy, Travel City Direct, insisted it had done nothing wrong.