THE story of dying mum Tobi Mills and her ten-year-old twins' search for new parents has travelled around the world - and even touched Oprah Winfrey.

Scores of local wellwishers have contacted Tobi, of Haldene Road, and her children, Ashton and Lauren, since we reported how they had drawn up an advert for new parents to take over from cancer-sufferer Tobi when she dies.

And the story has grabbed the attention of the world with people from Australia, Germany and America keen to help Tobi and her children.

Among the well wishers has been US talk show host Oprah Winfrey who sent Tobi a bouquet of flowers.

Some have written to Tobi via the Oxford Mail, while others have simply addressed their messages to Tobi Mills, Blackbird Leys.

"The letters are getting through," said family friend Cheryl Chapman, who used to teach Ashton and Lauren at Windale School, in Blackbird Leys.

"Tobi has been unwell after her chemotherapy treatment. She'll bounce back but the messages have given her a great boost, both in confidence and mood," said Cheryl. "The letters have deeply touched her and she wants to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write to her.

"One lady sent her a detailed letter about her experiences as a foster mum. We reckon it took days of her time to do so. It's very touching to realise how much other people care," said Cheryl.

Social services family placement unit has been inundated with offers of fostering or adoption for Lauren and Ashton. More than 170 people have now been in touch as news of the family's plight spreads around the world.

Media inquiries have ranged from Brazilian television to an international talk show based in New York, and a scriptwriter in Canada, although Tobi is too unwell this week to consider any of the invitations seriously.

Susan Lewis, of the Jennifer Jones talk show said: "The whole of America wants to help. This is a story of a very courageous family."

The Oxford Mail launched an appeal to send Tobi and the children to DisneyWorld, Florida, but The Sun arranged the trip and now all the money from our appeal will go into a trust fund for the children.

German journalist Heidede Carst- ensen, said: has been writing about the family for daily newspapers in Munich and Hamburg.

She said: "One couple from Nuremberg wanted to adopt the twins and others wanted to donate to the appeal."

She said: "Please give my warmest regards to Tobi Mills, she is a very courageous lady and has all our admiration."

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