Hi! I am Tasha, I am 18 and have HNPP, a genetic nerve disorder which causes me problems with my hands and grip. Throughout GCSES and school life/A-Levels I have used a laptop to help me continue working at school. On bad days I simply sits and listen, but with a laptop it helps me to type revision notes, and have the freedom to truly write my own pieces of work.

I have tried so hard working with scribes but due to also being autistic too, I really struggle with talking to others under pressure. I have therefore had the same laptop for a matter of years, which has helped me through all my education.

This September I am off to University, and my laptop has recently fallen apart. It has had a good life and helped me so so much, but simply has run out of life! With being a young carer and having a disabled Mum and a dad which sadly passed away, our family is on a limited budget and simply cannot afford to buy another laptop.

At current, I am struggling a lot financially. I am moving out alone for the first time, which is a big step for a physically disabled person, especially one with Autism. I try my best to always help others and do all I can for everyone else, but I really feel awkward asking for help for myself.

It has gotten to a point I have sold everything in my room, my guitars, my record player, everything I can, to afford the £1000 first month rent before I move. The annoying thing is that my student loan does not come in until mid september and the £1000 needs to be paid August 10th. This has left me unable to begin saving for a laptop. At the minute I only have £320 in total for both, which leaves me needing £680 for rent and then however much a laptop is on top.

I know that this seems an awful thing to fund raise for and I totally realise that so many people are in much worse positions than I am, but instead of money any advice would be also greatly appreicated. I am sure someone will have the knowledge of a charity or support network who can help!

A laptop is not something I want for leisure, it is literally the way that I work. It is the way I can do my research and my writing and story telling and is the way i write my support guides (such as the carers companion) for other people, and the way I campaign and make the world a better place. Not being able to grip things properly sucks. Having constant pain and numbness sucks too. But I am postive that by putting this out there, someone somewhere will have the knowledge of someone who can help me!

Please share so we can find someone with the right advice for me! :) This post is more a call out for advice than for money by the way! :) Anything people do give will be greatly appreciated, but please don't give anything if there are things you want and need to spend it on <3

Thank you so so much!