Hello, my name is Aly, and I’m a full-time carer for my adult son, who has been chronically ill for the past 14 years. His condition is complex, debilitating, and still not fully understood. But right now, for the first time in over a decade, we have a real chance to change his life.

In 2023, while receiving Entonox during a medical procedure, my son experienced something extraordinary—his severe and life-limiting OCD disappeared temporarily. This wasn’t about liking things neat or tidy. OCD, in his case, has been a relentless torment of intrusive, horrific thoughts—something that’s stolen years of his life. For the first time, he was able to think clearly, speak freely, and be himself. He was elated.

But the Entonox also unlocked buried trauma—trauma that professionals now recognise as complex PTSD. Unfortunately, despite this recognition, there's a 18+ month wait for psychological services, and healing cannot happen in isolation. Right now, we're stuck—emotionally, physically, and mentally.

This is where Stardust comes in.

Stardust is our vintage campervan. She represents freedom, healing, and a lifeline out of isolation. I dream of her becoming a mobile haven where my son can safely be out in nature, make a cup of tea, sit with Ziggy (his beloved rescue dog), and take small steps towards reconnecting with the world.

Ziggy himself has been through a lot. Bought to be trained as a service dog, he was later diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. Despite his own mobility issues, he instinctively comforts my son during trauma responses. He is family. Stardust is a place they both already love—Ziggy especially enjoys sitting with the doors open, watching the world go by at our local beach.

But here’s the reality: Stardust needs significant work to be roadworthy. The brakes need replacing, and many components have deteriorated after years of standing still. I’ve found a wonderful local mechanic, Andy from Ten Acre VW in Llandudno, who shares our love for these old vehicles and restores them with care and heart. I don’t want a show van—I just want her safe.

I’ve never been one to ask for help. I gave up my business to care for my son full-time, and while I’ve since graduated (against the odds) with First Class Honours in Creative and Professional Writing from Bangor University, the truth is I haven't been able to work from home due to his declining health. Stardust would be more than a vehicle—it would be my office, my escape, and a space where I can finish my screenplay and get back to contributing creatively to the world.

I’ve spent years supporting others—volunteering with NAS family support groups and PANS PANDAS UK. I believe in community. So when I recently posted that I might have to give up on Stardust, something amazing happened: a group of women I didn’t know well told me not to give up. They said: “Ask for help.” So here I am, asking.

If you’ve made it this far—thank you. Your support, even in reading this, means the world. If you can help financially, in any amount, we would be deeply grateful. If you can’t, but can share this, we appreciate that just as much.

Together, we can bring Stardust back to life.

With love and thanks,

Aly