Alex served her country for 15 years, on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan. Years after a spinal injury sustained in service, she now lives with severe nerve compression that needs urgent surgery. Unfortunately, even with her urgent referral for surgery, NHS waiting times mean she could be left in pain for at least a year.

We’re raising funds so she can get the operation this side of Christmas and get back to being the mum, teacher, and person she loves to be.

From childhood dream to active service

From a young age, Alex knew she wanted to join the military. She was driven, intelligent, and loved to push herself physically, she was always the one setting high standards and helping others meet them.

Alex joined the Army in 2001 and served on Op TELIC 1 and 6 (Iraq) and Op HERRICK 6 and 10 (Afghanistan). Her time in service meant everything to her, the camaraderie, the sense of purpose, the privilege of working alongside some of the best people she’s ever known. She thrived on the challenge and the responsibility that came with it.

But those tours also came with lasting impacts. In 2009, Alex was caught in a blast that caused a cervical spine (C-spine) injury. At the time, the situation was chaotic, surrounded by others who had suffered life changing injuries and worse. Despite being in pain she couldn't go sick, knowing that carrying on was the right thing to do. That's just who Alex is.

The lasting effects

Although she received treatment later, the injury never fully went away. She learned to manage the pain and kept going, eventually building a new life after service while quietly carrying the physical and mental reminders of her time overseas.

After leaving the Army, Alex became a teacher, a role that allowed her to keep serving in a different way, shaping young minds and helping others reach their potential. Teaching gave her a sense of purpose and pride, just like the military once had.

A new setback

In March this year, Alex suffered an injury in the school she works in, and that trauma triggered a severe flare-up to her spinal injury. The impact caused a herniated disc pressing on the C6 spinal nerve, leading to constant pain, numbness, and weakness down one arm and hand.

After seeing specialists, she’s been informed that she needs to undergo an anterior cervical decompression and fusion, an urgent operation to relieve the pressure on the nerve and stabilise her neck.

Despite being classed as urgent, Alex has been told that the NHS waiting list is around 12 months. That’s a year of pain, reduced mobility, and the risk of permanent nerve damage. Privately, the operation costs around £15,000, which is why we’re fundraising to get her the help she needs before it's not fixable and her life is changed forever.

Being a mum

Alex is also a devoted mum to a 4-year-old daughter, Bea. The hardest part of this injury isn’t just the pain, it’s what it’s taking from their time together. Those day-to-day moments, pushing Bea on a swing, taking her swimming, or picking her up for a cuddle are gone.

Everyday moments that used to be filled with laughter have become reminders of what she can’t do. All she wants is to be able to play, explore, and be fully present for her little girl again.

Losing “Alex”

Beyond the physical pain, there’s the mental strain of losing parts of who she is. Alex has always been active, independent, and strong, the person who others relied on, and has always made the effort to raise money for charities and those in need.

Not being able to exercise, work, or even enjoy simple things like running around with Bea has been incredibly tough.

It’s not just about fixing her spine, it’s about getting her life back, her confidence, and her sense of self.

Why this matters

This page has been set up by some of Alex's life long friends - because once again, she's putting others first, and it's really hard for all of us seeing her like this - she's been there for all of us at some point in our lives.

We’re raising £15,000 to cover the cost of private surgery which could be done this side of Christmas. This will allow Alex to get the operation she urgently needs and reclaim her quality of life in, both as a veteran and as a mum. We get that this can eventually be done on the NHS, but the impact of that wait to Alex and her family is not ok.

Alex has already given so much, she's never been someone to ask for help, but now she needs it.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page. The more people who see Alex’s story, the sooner she can get back on her feet and back to being the amazing mum and person she is.

Thank you for reading and for supporting someone who gave her all when it mattered most.

From Alex: