Hi everyone, my name is Charlotte Kellett and I’ve recently torn my ACL, MCL, and meniscus playing football for Hashtag United in The Womens National League Tier 3. This requires surgery and a long rehabilitation process. I never thought I’d be in a position where I’d need to ask for help like this, but after a serious knee injury, I don’t have many other options.

To make things even harder, this is the second time I’ve gone through this. I previously tore my right knee back in 2017, and now doing it again has been completely devastating, both physically and mentally.

The current waiting time for surgery on the NHS is around a year. Unfortunately, waiting that long isn’t something I can afford to do — not for my career, my livelihood, or my long-term health.

The cost of private surgery alone is £12,000. This doesn’t include everything else I’ve already had to fund myself — including an MRI scan and private consultation fees, which have already cost me over £1,000. On top of that, I’ll need to cover the cost of essential rehab equipment like an ice machine and other recovery tools to give myself the best chance of getting back to full fitness.

Right now, I’m living day-to-day in a brace, and even simple things have become difficult. I work as a secondary school PE and Science teacher, which means being on my feet, active, and present for my students every single day. At the moment, that’s incredibly challenging — and not something I can realistically manage for the next year.

Alongside teaching, football has always been a huge part of my life. The sport has given me purpose, discipline, and so many opportunities. Having it taken away from me again has been incredibly tough.

That’s why I’m reaching out and asking for any support, no matter how small. Every contribution will go directly towards getting the surgery I need, starting rehab, and ultimately getting me back doing what I love — both on the pitch and in the classroom.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read this — and for any support you can give. It genuinely means everything