Help Flora smile again-fund specialist cost for chronic pain

Hi, my name is Adel and I’m raising funds for my friend’s 6-year-old daughter, Flora.

See the smiley little girl in the photo? Sadly, that beautiful smile has all but disappeared. Flora has been suffering from chronic stomach pain for months alongside other symptoms. Her family has taken her to A&E four times, as well as to the GP (where she is now on first name terms with the receptionists) and a paediatrician — but answers are still out of reach.

So far, the only investigations offered have been a single x-ray, a stool and urine sample and some basic blood tests. She was prescribed laxatives, despite no signs of constipation, and reflux medication without any diagnostic evidence. A referral to a dietitian was denied simply because she hasn’t lost weight — even though she’s in daily pain. One doctor in a&e actually told her mum that it was just ‘in Flora’s head’- this was directly after Flora had to leave a film at the cinema because she was in so much pain.

Flora is also experiencing a racing heart, hives, severe eczema, skin rashes and headaches — all of which have been repeatedly dismissed.

Her parents have finally found a specialist paediatrician at King’s College Hospital who might be able to help. But because Flora’s symptoms were already under NHS investigation before their private insurance was taken out, their policy won’t cover any of it. Just the initial consultation and follow-up will cost £550 — an impossible sum for a family living on a single income. Further tests such as bloods and ultrasounds will add hundreds of pounds. Obviously once diagnosed the parents would be getting Flora back under the NHS for treatment.

Current the NHS doctor has prescribed yet another month-long trial of omeprazole, despite no confirmed diagnosis and the fact that gaviscon has previously made zero difference — meaning another month of uncertainty and discomfort for Flora. Her school attendance has already fallen below 70%.

I’m desperate to help this bright, brave little girl get the care she deserves. Every penny raised will go directly toward her private medical assessments and any necessary investigations to finally get to the root of her suffering.

Please help us give Flora a chance to smile again. Thank you so much for your kindness and support.