Caitlan is a very confident, happy, active 14 year old. She is a very talented Karateka and Gymnast. She has excelled in both of these sports and has just graded to her karate Black Belt.

Unfortunately, Caitlan has developed Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (abnormal curvature and twisting of the spine), which causes pain and discomfort, as well as making Caitlan self conscious due to her uneven appearance. The severity of the curve means that surgery is the only option.

Surgery offered on the NHS means Caitlan having spinal fusion (metal rods screwed into her spine) meaning she will lose her flexibility and would not be able to carry on with the sports she loves. However, there is other life changing surgery available called vertebral body tethering (VBT) which uses less restrictive measures using a flexible cord instead of a metal pole, meaning Caitlan would not lose as much of her flexibility and could carry on with the things she loves. This would also mean less recovery time as the surgery is less invasive and is performed with keyhole surgery.

However, this treatment is not available on the NHS and is costly, hence the decision to raise funds. Mail online article

The funds raised for this campaign will be for Caitlan to have alternative treatment in Germany, which will allow her to keep her flexibility, therefore, keeping Caitlan bendy. Please donate as much or as little as you can and please share our story far and wide so that our little star can continue to shine and fulfil her dreams of competing for her country one day.

Thank you for listening to our story.