In October 2014 whilst studying to become a registered nurse I was diagnosed with a rare spinal condition called Cuada Equina Syndrome.

Leading up to the initial diagnosis I had completed extensive fitness and nutrition training. It was my absolute passion and I received a number of medals and certificates as well as achieving a qualification in fitness Instructing.

Following this I went on to care for young adults with profound learning difficulties and gained a qualification in Health and Social Care. This enabled me to study for my A levels during the evening and I successfully gained a place at university.

Since then my life has changed considerably and my dream of becoming a registered nurse within the British Army has unfortunately come to an end.

In the past four years I have undergone emergency decompression surgery, various spinal injections and a spinal fusion. The condition has left me with nerve damage and has had a profound affect on my bladder, bowels and overall health.

From my own personal experience health practitioners tend to steer towards medicating the issue with opiates and other heavy tablets. I reject this and have desperately tried many alternative therapies to ease the pain. However the therapies I find beneficial such as acupuncture are often quite expensive and aren’t widely available on the NHS.

Despite the daily struggles I am pushing myself everyday to grow and be successful. I have plans to set up a charity helping people who have been through domestic violence as well as continuing my current studies with the Open University.

I am trying to raise funds to enable me to see a private orthopaedic specialist who can offer alternative treatment.

I want nothing more than to be able to live a life where I am able to give back to others, be more independent and have a successful career.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story

Any help and support would be greatly appreciated <3