Hi, I am Sarah-Jayne...a 55 tender and huge-hearted human. I am a community builder, champion of others, mentor, teacher, friend, daughter, sister , dancer, lover and always curious human.

I have recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 oesophageal cancer. The irony is not lost on me as I LOVE food and I love to cook for my friends. Yet I simply can't eat as the tumours affecting my ability to swallow.

As a self employed coach and therapist, I am used to supporting others. Now I face the difficult and humbling experience of asking for some help myself. I do not know how much work I can undertake in the next few months due to treatments, so I am reaching out for support.

What this fund will help with:

Therapeutic support - I feel broken & terror is palpable at times

Specialist medical appointments and any tests or treatment not covered elsewhere

Nutritional support suited to what my body can currently tolerate

Essential living costs (rent/bills) while my capacity to work is reduced

Breathing room to actually rest and heal, rather than pushing through while unwell

Why I'm asking: I am self employed and have little to no idea how I am going to support myself over the next year as I won't be able to fully do what I love the most (I've been told its a 6-12 month recovery)

I've spent most of my life being the one who shows up for everyone else. It's not natural for me to ask for help. But I've learned, the hard way, that there's no shame in needing support, and that healing properly means letting people in rather than doing it all alone.

If you're able to contribute, it would mean more than I can easily put into words. And if you're not able to, sharing this post so it reaches someone who can still helps enormously.

Thank you for reading this, and for any kindness you're able to offer

I wish you health and happiness..

With gratitude, Sarah-JayneI