Hi there, my name is Ciara and this Gofundme is to help my wonderful mother, Ali Glasscott.

Everyone who knows Ali has experienced her deep empathy and kindness and the way that she unfailingly goes above and beyond for friends and family.

Ali has suffered with rare and severe lifelong arthritis since the tender age of 12, with long periods in hospital at that age. She faced doctors telling her back then that she may never be able to walk without a wheelchair. She is an absolute warrior who refused to accept these limitations and has fought to live her life as the active, vibrant and irrepressible woman we all know and love.

Unfortunately, as the culmination of the long-term damage caused by the arthritis, a few months ago Ali suffered a severe spinal injury to her discs and vertebra which has left her sciatic nerve compressed. Since then, she has been left in constant agony and unable to walk unassisted, with little relief from any medical supports. It has been a very difficult and distressing time for us all.

However, the great news is that she has been offered emergency neurosurgery in a specialised clinic in Benidorm, Spain next week. It feels miraculous to have this opportunity for a surgery which could give Ali her life back. However, the associated costs of the medical transfers, accessibility equipment as well as the accommodation next to the hospital are a significant roadblock. Moreover, after the surgery she will be faced with a prolonged period of rehabilitation, with further costs relating to necessary ongoing medical treatment, medications and physiotherapy, putting her recovery in jeopardy.

Any and all contributions would be deeply appreciated and would make a huge difference to making it possible for Ali to have this desperately-needed surgery and to focus her energy on tackling this surgery and the recovery with all of her characteristic strength and grace.