On the 29th of May this year, Stacey and Matt welcomed little Jessica into the world. Unfortunately, due to an infection picked up in the first few days of her life, she sustained severe damage to her vertebrae and connective tissue at the top of her spine. This means Jessica's neck and back need to be constantly supported by a fixed neck and back brace, which she may need for up to two years .

During this difficult time, Matt and Stacey have been living with their daughter at Southampton Hospital due to the close attention and physical care that is required to look after Jessica day-to-day . The support of the nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists at Southampton has been amazing and, along with the help of my parents, have been able to help Jessica recover and give her as much of a normal life as possible.

While Matt has recently returned to work, the time that he and Stacey need to devote to caring for Jessica so far from home is beginning to cause a significant financial strain. The stress of paying rent and bills from a home they have not been living in, and Stacey not being able to return to work as planned is beginning to take its tole and I am writing this to ask for the help and support our friends, family, or anyone who would be so kind as to donate towards this cause.

Anyone who knows our family, and Stacey and Matt, would know they would never ask for help unless they absolutely needed it. This is a situation none of us saw coming and unfortunately, one that none of us can do anything about. All I can do is ask for any help you can offer them - however small - and I know Stacey and Matt will be forever grateful!

Thank you xx