Jess is 17 years old and was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in 2015. It has been heart breaking to watch Jess’s mobility and health progressively deteriorate ever since.

EDS is a complex connective tissue disorder that effects many systems in the body, which has left Jess with agonising daily dislocations of her knees, shoulders and hip joints, long term chronic pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness and fainting, allergies, digestive and bladder problems and has had a knock-on effect on her self-esteem.

Also with new diagnosis of Acetabular Retroversion (a form of hip dysplasia) Coxa Profunda, and other symptoms that come with these conditions, means Jess will need to undergo complex hip surgery this year with a recovery period of up to 1 year.

Jess is ambitious and has had a dream since she was 8 years old to go to university and become a doctor. EDS has been life changing for Jess, who has had to re-evaluate her future aspirations and expectations. Now realising her mobility may be a barrier to this dream, she is looking to study Biomedicine and work within the research field. Life at university depends on Jess having the right chair to enable her to study and live independently.

We have managed to raise through family and friends the £5K for the appropriate wheelchair and are now looking to raise the additional money needed for the smart drive which powers the chair, but also means she can self-propel on good days (essential to maintain her strength) and the chair remains light and transportable.
. I am appealing for your help to help me provide my daughter with what she needs. I know there is a lot of kindness out there and many individuals that would like to support us. I want nothing more than to see Jess fulfil her dreams and lead an independent life regardless of the challenges she faces.

Donates of any amount would be welcomed as would other fundraising ideas or activities.