Caring For Toby

You really can change the world if you care enough ~ Marian Wright Edelman Hi, my name is Susannah and I am a close friend of Toby’s. A band of his friends and I have come together to create this crowdfunding appeal to provide our good friend with some financial support while he is recovering from his liver transplant. This has been done with his blessing. Toby is a remarkable man who inspires great love and loyalty from his friends. This is due to him being one of the kindest and most supportive people I know. Toby is always there for you, no matter what – he is that guy. Toby has dedicated his life to understanding the human mind and how to support those with mental health issues. He has volunteered for many organisations such as MIND, GetConnected and BeatBullying. Once he completed his degree, he began working as a teaching assistant at Stanburn Primary School supporting special needs children. Since then he has dedicated his time and energy in building the school’s library and helping develop a safe IT programme which is creative and inspiring. Toby is now embarking on the next chapter in his life. He began his teacher training in September. Toby is very enthusiastic and passionate about his vocation and I know he will go on to be an inspiring teacher. Sadly, Toby’s adult life has been plagued with chronic fatigue and ill health. He has been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and a couple of months ago he was put onto the liver transplant list. Toby is fortunate enough to have the right blood type and ethnicity and has a high chance of a match. Since being put on the list, he has been called to the hospital twice and last night he was matched. Myself, his family and friends have waited with bated breath to hear news and 30 minutes ago we were told the surgery was a success and he is now in ICU. With a sigh of relief, he has managed the first hurdle however it will be a while before he gets the all clear. If you want to learn more about Toby’s medical journey, please follow the link and watch his “De-liver me” vlog. Toby's vlog  Watching Toby’s health deteriorate despite his best efforts has been heart-breaking for all his friends, not just because of the physical suffering but because of the impact it has had on him emotionally. Toby wants so badly to be well and get back to his teaching course. It’s all he wants to do – to help kids learn and grow into the people they deserve to be. Please help us to help Toby get back on his feet, and back to doing what he loves. As many of you many know trainee teachers’ loan is a pittance (£12k pa)!! Nobody can live on that, never mind a grown man with medical needs. Toby has reached out for financial help as he has no income until he is able to get back to work. Toby needs to cover his living expenses as well as ensuring that he has a healthy diet and transport, so he can attend his ongoing medical appointments. The NHS estimates it will take a year to fully recover from a liver transplant, so we were hoping to provide him with modest financial support for 6 months - £6000. We would like to appeal to you to help Toby and provide a financial safety net so that he can focus on getting better.  Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.  Anonymous