Cancer and a broken back. I really need a new bed!

Hi, my name is Emma and I'm a primary school teacher. I teach/taught reception class and I think I'm one of the few teachers out there thar LOVE their job.

I'm 38 years old, with a gorgous 8 year old boy that I co-parent with my exhusband.

In December I was diagnosed with a rare incurable blood cancer called multiple myeloma. I've been told by my specialists that it's rare to have this cancer at such a young age. It damages your bones so in January my back started to break. I currently have 7 crushed vertebrae and have lost 3 inches of height. I spent 4 months in hospital and it was like hell. I was in so much pain, having chemo which makes you feel so poorly and sickly. I couldn't move, even to sit up in bed so the nurses had to wash me and toilet me in the bed.

Fast forward to now and with intensive physio and home help I can now walk a few steps on a zimmer frame and do things like make self a brew and have a shower using a hoist.

The NHS have provided some home aids and support. Others I've payed for myself, such as a rise recliner chair and a new cheap sofa as my current one was too low for me to use safely.

The thing I really need is a new bed with a good orthopedic matress but I've run out of money. I'm not entitled to any benifits and although I've been ringing pip since April they still haven't managed to send my forms out, even though the MacMillan Nurse can fast track once I get them.

I just want a really comfortable night's sleep. I have a bed raiser which helps but we all know how important a good restful nights sleep is, especially whilst my fractures are healing, which is taking much longer than normal due to the cancer still in my body.

I'll be having a stem cell transplant and they've said that will really help with the pain and healing process after, but the transplant itself is grueling afterwards and I really want to have a comfortable supportive bed thst doesn't hurt to go home to.

I feel so guilty begging for money. I've worked hard my whole life, went to university and got a good career as a teacher. I really shouldn't have to ask for handouts but I'm desperate now. A decent bed would make such a difference to my quality of life, to my fatigue as well as my mood through the day.

At the moment my son has had to move in with his dad as I can't take care of him which is heartbreaking for me. No one wants to visit a grumpy achy mummy and having an appropriate mattress and a bedframe that doesn't shake every time you try to sit on it will make a huge difference to my quality of life.

I can't guarantee how many years I have left but I'd like to spend them as comfortable as I can be.

My picture of the first time I was able to stand up for a few seconds unaided, a really proud moment in my life.

Hopefully you can help, every amount no matter how small will help towards a new bed and comfort. It's been the scariest most painful and upsetting year of my life, I hope some people can understand and help even though the cost of living has us all pinching our pockets.

Thank you for reading this far and thank you if you've managed to donate, no matter how small the amount.