Hello, My name is Carrie and this July, my 24 year old daughter Maia was diagnosed with unfavourable Stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma after being dismissed by 3 different doctors, before a 4th doctor organised a biopsy.

Maia is a wonderful young lady. Prior to her illness, fitness and healthy living were an important part of her life. Maia was an elite athelete and has represented GB and England as a fencer. Maia had taken a short break from fencing to concentrate on her studies and was going to start fencing again this year, but this is another important thing for Maia that has to be paused or even stopped.

Maia has recently completed further studies to become a Cultural and Heritage Conservator. Last year, Maia was offered work experience at Oxford University Museum of Natural History and conserved a 19th century taxidermy grey wolf.

Maia was able to see this on display this spring but her trip to Oxford was ruined due to painful lumps on her neck, which unbeknown to her at that time, was the lymphoma.

Maia was advised by her specialist to reconsider her career in conservation, due to the carcinogens involved. Maia is also suffering with neuropathy after having intensive chemotherapy, and doesn't know how long this will last.

Due to having to start a new career, Maia has accepted a place to study remotely at the University of Law on a law conversion course next year. Maia would like to eventually work in museum law.

Maia does not qualify for any student loans as she has already completed a MA course. She is unable to work currently due to the lymphoma and her treatment.

Maia has been incredibly brave throughout this and has had to deal with so much at such a young age.

We are so proud of her and are hoping that this fundraising might ease some of her financial responsibilities.