My Nanna is 84. Earlier this year, she had major plans to go to Australia for Christmas. Her two grandsons (My twin brother and older brother) live there, she hasn't seen Adam in 6 years (Older brother) and Elliott in 3 years (Twin brother). On 22nd May of this year, however, normally as fit and well as an 83 (at the time) old lady can be, she was on holiday with a friend. On the day she was meant to fly home, she suffered a stroke walking up some stairs which resulted in a fall, we were unaware at the time but she had spinal stenosis (normally asymptomatic) which the fall made worse. Essentially, my Nanna lost the use of all of her limbs. Family gathered and took it in turns to fly out to be with her, however the only solution was surgery. Three months, a battle with the insurance and a 6 week bedrest later, surgery day arrived! It's important to remind you, prior to surgery she was unable and not allowed out of bed for fear of further damage to her spine. She was suffering with depression, delirium and had lost over 2 tone.

The surgery was a HUGE success, even the doctors are shocked at her recovery. 8 weeks post surgery, safe to say she has made an amazing recovery. Walking, eating and pretty much doing everything independently. Its incredible. (She will still need carers and ongoing physiotherapy and psychiatry)

Although this is a happy story, my Nanna can no longer drive, fly or see her grandsons at Christmas. Family is the most important thing to her, every Christmas whenever asked what she would like, the reply is 'Just to spend time with my children and grandchildren.'

I'm a student myself so I don't have the funds, so I am hoping and praying there are some people out there who will see how important this is to me and my family. I just want to give my Nanna the Christmas gift she has always wanted, to be with her famiy.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year.