Hi, my name is Connor.

In April 2025, I suffered a severe boxing related whiplash injury that completely changed my life. What initially seemed like concussion symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, and sensitivity to light and sound, gradually developed into debilitating neurological problems that have continued to worsen.

I now struggle with constant daily headaches that last for most of the day, ongoing neck pain, and severe muscle tension in my neck and lower skull. Alongside this, I experience heart palpitations, blurred vision, balance issues, tinnitus, overwhelming fatigue, numbness in my hands, difficulty holding my head up, and problems with speech and cognition.

Even simple daily tasks have become incredibly difficult. The more I do, especially activities involving bending my neck—the more exhausted I become, to the point where physical weakness shuts down my ability to function and be productive.

Before this injury, exercise was the one thing that helped me manage life with Autism, ADHD, and OCD. It gave me structure, purpose, routine, and a sense of identity. More than that, it gave me belonging.

I have always struggled to maintain friendships, and sport and travel gave me connections I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Losing that outlet has been devastating both physically and emotionally.

Now I spend most days confined to my four walls, and it’s becoming unbearable. I used to be able to get up, move, and exercise the loneliness away. That is no longer an option. I honestly feel desperate at times, it has been beyond tough.

For the past 14 months, I have been battling to get help through the NHS, and it has been an incredibly difficult process.

The NHS is fantastic for so many things, and we are fortunate to have such an important healthcare system in the UK. However, when it comes to complex neurological injuries, particularly conditions such as Cranio-Cervical Instability (CCI) and injuries potentially involving the spine, access to specialist knowledge and assessment can be extremely limited. Combined with long waiting times and pressures on the system, I am still yet to be seen by a neurologist, with current waits stretching to around two years.

Through extensive research, support groups, and guidance from others living with similar injuries, I have been encouraged to pursue assessment for possible Cranio-Cervical Instability (CCI), a complex condition associated with neck trauma and whiplash injuries.

Unfortunately, access to experienced CCI specialists is extremely limited, and pursuing proper assessment and treatment often requires specialised imaging, travel abroad to Spain and the United States, and extensive rehabilitation costs.

I am raising funds to help cover these expenses, which I cannot afford on my own.

The funds raised would go toward:

• Specialist consultation in Spain — £500

• Flight and Accommodation - £1500

• Specialised upright cervical spine imaging — £3,000

• Neurological evaluations and reporting — £700

• Rehabilitation and specialist treatment options — £15,000

The total amount I am trying to raise is £20,700 with an initial goal of £7000

While I have done my best to estimate the likely costs, the full scope of assessment and treatment will not be known until I am evaluated by specialists.

This has been one of the most difficult and isolating experiences of my life.

More than anything, I am simply hoping for the opportunity to access proper care, find answers, and regain some quality of life.

Any donation, no matter the amount, or simply sharing my story would genuinely make a huge difference and mean more to me than I could ever fully express.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can give.

With gratitude,

Connor