*Updated Nov 23*

In August 23 I was admitted into hospital to have a suprapubic catheter surgery to help me manage my bladder retention, something I had previously been waiting almost a year for. Incontinence/retention are subjects that are often brushed under the rug with disabilities, though they often come as a package. I am now under the supervision of the district nurses and urology specialists to ensure my bladder remains healthy.

The cost of medical equipment and physiotherapy tailored to my disability is beyond my current means. I have decided to reach out to the community and ask for financial help. I have set a fundraising goal of £8000 to cover physiotherapy and home adaptations.

My Story

In October 22 I suffered a spinal stroke, known as a spinal infraction. Due to medical complications I suffered a second stroke in March 23. It’s fair to say that my body has been through the wars and now it’s a time of healing and reflection and adapting to a different life.

Spinal strokes are very rare, about 1% of all Strokes are spinal. Then came the news that I was now paraplegic and the chances of me ever walking again were, at best, very slim or never. Having legs that don’t work plus the added issues that my bowel and bladder don’t function as they should.

As a result of the stroke, I was unable to maintain employment. This led to me being unable to live, I was unable to continue living in the property in which I was renting, which resulted in me becoming homeless. I am now in accommodation provided by council, this has been adapted for me to live independently. I was discharged home in March with a care package which came to an end in August 23.

I have spent a total of 76 days in 4 different hospitals. During this time, I have undergone numerous tests, 4 MRI, 4 CAT scans, 1 Lumbar Puncture, 2 nerve conduction tests, 1 urology operation and constant urine and blood test.

I am driven and determined to be as independent as I can. I will not allow myself to be defined by my disability. I want to feel like a normal 31-year-old! It would be too easy to “sit back” and give up! This is definitely not me. My aim is to get back to some level of health, be able to get back in to working full time, but as it stands this seems so far in the future.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Ashley Jewkes

I have also donated £150 which so far is 10% of the proceeds raised to the UK's Stroke Association Foundation. Please visit there page below for more information.

https://www.stroke.org.uk/donate/stroke-fundraising