Back Surgery for Ashley

It has been 8 weeks since I last moved without pain, picked up either of my children, or left the house for anything but a medical appointment.

At the of January, I was seen in a&e for back and leg pain that had been steadily worsening for months, finally leaving me unable to walk or even stand up. Since then, I have had tests, seen specialists, and been diagnosed with compressed nerves and a herniated disc, the best treatment for which is surgery.

The current NHS wait time for this surgery in my area is 8 months.

I have seen a spinal surgeon who is able to perform my surgery next week - at private healthcare costs.

I can't begin to imagine the damage - mental, physical, and financial - that 8 more months primarily bed-bound would cause for me and my family. I don't want to wait that long to be free of pain, to show up for my children in the way that they deserve, to do the job I love, to walk in the sunshine (it does happen here sometimes).

We are putting together capital for a downpayment for a medical loan, but of course the larger the payment we are able to make up front, the lower the long-term cost. I am not skilled in asking help for myself - so I will ask instead on behalf of my family, who need me whole and healthy. If you are able to help in even the smallest way, I am grateful.