For the past 10 years, my brother, Ashley, has faced challenges that most people could never imagine. At just 42 years old, he lives with gastroparesis and diabetes, conditions that have taken away something many of us take for granted — the ability to eat normally.

For an entire decade, Ashley has relied on a feeding tube simply to stay alive. He also suffers from constant nausea and vomiting, which affects every aspect of his daily life and leaves him exhausted and unwell. What many people don't see is the physical and emotional toll this illness has taken on him over the years.

There is hope.

A specialist operation could completely transform Ashley's life. Not only would it give him the chance to eat again, but it would also help relieve the constant vomiting and daily suffering he endures. The surgery would improve his quality of life, restore his independence, and prevent his condition from becoming life-threatening.

Unfortunately, because Ashley does not live in Scotland, the NHS is unable to fund the procedure. The surgery must be carried out privately and costs £20,000 — an amount far beyond what he can afford alone.

But this isn't just about Ashley.

He is a loving and devoted father to his three children, Jaden, Aaliyah and Aayan. Two of his children have severe learning disabilities and rely heavily on their dad's love, support and care. Despite his own daily struggles, Ashley has always put his children first. More than anything, he wants to be healthy enough to continue supporting them, making memories with them, and simply being present in their lives.

For the last 10 years, Ashley hasn't been able to do something most of us take for granted — sit down and share a meal with his family. More than anything, he dreams of the day he can gather around the table with his children, enjoy a meal together, and spend precious quality time without constant sickness and exhaustion overshadowing every moment.

Despite living with constant nausea and vomiting, Ashley is always on the go for his children. They are his world, and he never stops putting them first, even on the days when he's struggling the most.

As his sister, it breaks my heart to watch someone I love suffer every single day. Seeing him so unwell affects all of us, and knowing that there is an operation that could give him a chance at a better life means more than words can express. It wouldn't just mean the world to Ashley to finally be able to eat again and enjoy life with his children — it would mean the world to our whole family.

After 10 years of merely surviving, Ashley deserves the chance to start living again.

We're asking for your help to give him that chance.

Every penny raised will go directly towards Ashley's life-changing surgery. No donation is too small, and if you're unable to donate, simply sharing this page with others would mean the world to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read Ashley's story. Your kindness, generosity and support mean more than words can say.

❤️ Together, we can help Ashley get his life back — and give him many more precious years with Jaden, Aaliyah and Aayan.