Wow. What a response!

It was amazing to see the £10k target reached so soon after sending out the appeal. Mama was so touched and thrilled, and so were we!

Poor Mama has been in lots of pain. We've been on the phone to many hospitals, clinics, surgeons' secretaries and medical friends, to figure out the best way forward.

PRAISE GOD - we now have an operation lined up for next Wednesday (22nd) in Epsom, near where Mama is currently staying with friends. On Monday we will take her in for a pre-operation assessment.

After lots of shopping around, this seems the best option. Sadly it became clear quite quickly though that the cost would be more than the initial estimate we were given in Norwich (£5k-£10k). It didn't seem right to proceed with the treatment there as Mama would have had to wait three weeks and been somewhat stranded in Norfolk after the end of the holiday camp she was visiting.

We then began to enquire about private treatment that would be quicker, and closer to where Mama is currently in South London. We were given an eye-watering quotation of £18k, but have now found something more affordable that seems like the way to go.

It's going to look like this -

£12,000 - Surgery and all hospital care
£1,970 - Surgeon's fees
£750 - Anaesthetist's fees
£14,720 - Sub-total

There are two further costs. One is from the treatment Mama received at Norwich hospital (£380). Secondly, Mama will need to stay in the UK for longer than planned for the post-operation care, so at some point we will also need to rearrange her flight back to the Gambia. This will likely cost £300-£400. We've therefore set the new fundraising target at £15,500.

So we've adjusted the total here. If you didn't manage to give in time before, now's your chance.

Please keep praying for Mama and for good and smooth treatment. Feel free to get in touch if you'd like any more information about any of this. We are so grateful for you all and your support.

Lots of love,

Jonny and Beth