I think many of you know my story but for those who don’t….

When I was 10 months old my parents were told I had Stills Disease, now known as Juvenile Chronic Arthritis. I was fiercely independent and maintained my mobility as long as possible but I have been a wheelchair user most of my life and now use an electric wheelchair full time.

I’ve always tackled all my health issues head on and despite the medical challenges of bi-lateral knee and hip replacements I was lucky enough to have a child, she is now 16 years old.

The latest hurdle needs me to wear my ‘biggest’ big girl pants….. I have been diagnosed with a Left Sphenoid Meningioma. It’s thought to benign however if left untreated could spread further and result in a shortened life expectancy. I need to undergo surgery as soon as possible, followed by a lengthy recovery of 8 weeks plus for an abled bodied person. The operation is not without risk and could leave me with further disabilities.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/brain-tumours/types/meningioma

To enable me to return home and recover with the support of my family & friends I need a bespoke adjustable bed. I have been assessed for my needs and need to self-fund. The bed will help me enormously to get in and out of bed and to be able to sleep and sit comfortably without being dependant on others. It will reduce my risk of pressure sores and will mean I can use my bed when I am on my own. My P.I P has been reduced. I often find myself waiting on others to assist me getting in bed and have to wait in pain and feeling uncomfortable sat in a chair until they arrive.

I need to raise £5000 and hopefully you will be willing to help me with this challenge.

This is something I will need on a permanent basis. Although I am hopeful for a full recovery from my surgery my arthritis is only going to continue to deteriorate over time.

Thanking you so much for your support.

If I am able to reach my goal I will be able to feel the comfort and support of all your kind donations knowing you are all thinking of me on my road to recovery.

Julie xx