<div>Hi there, my name is Kerry, and I'm reaching out with a heartfelt request for support for my cousin Sara and her family. Our journey together dates back to our early twenties when we lived under the same roof. Subsequently, we both relocated to Bournemouth, where Sara built a life with her husband Andrew.
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<div>Our bond deepened as we embarked on the challenging journey of IVF simultaneously, providing crucial support to each other throughout the process. After numerous rounds of treatment, our children were born just three months apart, and we found ourselves navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood side by side.
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<div>Sara, a vibrant and resilient 41-year-old, is only a year younger than me. We share not only the same milestones in life but also some of our family's distinctive traits, from skinny lips to knobbly knees! It's remarkable how intertwined our lives have become, with even our husbands sharing the same name!
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<div>The reason I'm reaching out to you today is to share some sobering news that struck us in August 2023. This unexpected turn of events has deeply affected Sara and her family, and I am reaching out to you, our community, in the hope that together, we can provide the support they need during this challenging time.
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<div>In the blink of an eye, their life has been flipped upside down. For the Russell family, this moment came last year as Sara, aged only 40 years old, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (ALS). From a healthy mother of a 6 year old daughter and loving wife, life became the complete loss of speech and muscle weakness. Sara has been diagnosed with the rarest type of MND/ALS, which is bulbar onset ALS. A very short life expectancy and a progressive loss of muscle means the whole family has been trying to come to terms with this new life of hospitals, nurses, medication and even an operation to fit Sara with a feeding tube.
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<div>In a matter of months, Sara has lost all ability to talk, eat and drink, she has lost the use of one arm, has restricted use of her other arm, and now restricted use of her legs.
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<div>I am setting this page up to support Andrew and their daughter Purdy, in their care battling this horrific disease. Your support will help them through their darkest hours and allow them to focus on Purdy and Sara's end of life treatment.
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<div>Sara now needs around-the-clock care and monitoring. Sara and Andrew are both self-employed, which means a significantly reduced household income while Andrew cares for both Sara and Purdy. Above all, imagine the strength it takes to put on a brave face and a smile for Purdy in the face of such darkness.
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<div>Your donations will help cover their specialist carers, (which are now needed daily), provide necessary adaptations to the home for simple tasks like getting out of bed, respite for Andrew and support other basic day-to-day living expenses. Every penny raised here means one less worry for Sara's family; one more moment, so they can focus solely on what little time they have left together. Every day is a new challenge, and there are still lots of unknown expenses they will be faced with along the road.
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<div>If you're able to, and would like to donate, any amount will be so greatly appreciated, but if you're not in a position to donate, just sharing Sara's story will also make a huge difference. Let's show Sara and her family that they're not alone in this fight and this disease has nothing on this resilient family. Their strength truly is an inspiration to everyone.
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<div>In the spirit of paying it forward, any funds beyond their immediate needs will be donated to support others in similar situations via the Forest Holme Hospice.
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<div>Your kindness and generosity will make a significant difference in helping Sara and her family face the road ahead. Thank you for your time, kindness and your support of Sara, Andrew and their beautiful daughter, Purdy.
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