Getting Rachel to Italy.

When I was diagnosed with MND in April 2021, my life and every relationship changed forever. My world literally fell apart when I was told I was dying. No one could save me and no available treatment to slow the disease progression.

I grieve every day for the life I had. And all the things I took for granted; good conversation with friends, family holidays, camping trips with Steve and the boys, going drinking and dancing with the girls, mountain biking as a family, my reflexology practice, driving my car, enjoying a decent steak and chips and the freedom to move.

Within 6 months of my diagnosis, I had lost my voice and still the hardest impairment to live without, I lost the use of both arms robbing me of my ability to look after myself and others and I lost my ability to walk independently after several falls. Coupled with all of this, I then started experiencing swallowing difficulties which increase my risk of choking and asphyxiation. Mentally too much for anyone to process. At the time, it was like waking up after a bad accident. Life barely recognisable.

 Once I began to accept the cruel fate of my diagnosis, it was a long journey to learn to adapt to being a severely disabled person without a voice. The house was extended last year, to accommodate my care needs and we have carers around the clock. Today, I focus my energies on living and experiencing new places and adventures.

One of my wishes, is to visit the Amalfi coast and Bay of Naples in Italy, while I am still fit and fighting. I've located a stunning and accessible villa on the beautiful island of Ischia. The holiday isn't within our financial reach due to having to fully fund two carers to support the trip and the astronomical cost of travel insurance to make it work. If you would like to make a donation, however, small please click here.