After growing up in an abusive home, I had dreams of escaping and going to university to make my own life out in the world. Unfortunately, I underestimated the psychological damage that those years of abuse had done to me and quickly realised that I was unequipped to be independent in the way I had always dreamed of. Following an intense struggle with depression and anxiety symptoms, I had to take a medical leave of absence and return home to seek treatment. This treatment is unsupported by my abuser and so is something that I have had to keep hidden from them as I am currently living under their roof once more. All I want is to get better and to get back to college to continue making my own life. I have already made so much progress with my treatment and feel ready to return in September.

However, one of the remaining powers of my abuser is the financial control they have over my life. They hold this over my head as a means of control and I feel as though I cannot be free of them for as long as they have this over me. I need to be able to finance my studies but it is clear that I will be unable to do this without their support, something which is unfortunately detrimental to my recovery.

I never wanted to have to ask for help but in my desperation this is what I am turning to. This fundraiser is not taken lightly and absolutely any support is valued and appreciated more than I can even express. Thank you for reading my story.