Hi my name is Diane and I've spent the last three years completely transforming my life- physically, mentally and emotionally. Now its time for the next stage to help me move forward and im asking for your help and support, which is something I never thought id do and is probably one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life.

MY JOURNEY SO FAR-

Three years ago I made the life changing decision to get healthy and lose weight. I began by signing up to my local slimming world where my amazing consultant Sinead put me at ease straight away and turned into a life long friend along the way ❤️ I then continued on my journey with calorie counting and started with a personal trainer Lewis West. It was then I got introduced to strength training and this became a new way of life for me. My journey hasn't been easy- I've faced so many hurdles along the way, some of which are very personal but include ongoing battles with endometriosis, gynecological issues and mental health struggles. BUT I NEVER GAVE UP.

I've worked so hard to lose just over 12 stone and 60 inches off my body to become stronger for myself and my two amazing children, both of whom have ASD, ADHD and Learning disabilities. THEY ARE MY WORLD, and I want to be the healthiest and happiest version of myself for them.

WHY I NEED SURGERY

Despite all of my hard work and strength training im now left with alot of excess skin all over my body. I also have separated abdominal muscles which physio and exercise hasn't improved much. I get frequent skin infections below folds of skin and around belly button. These things can be very painful and limiting in everyday life. The only solution to this is surgery to remove the excess skin which unfortunately isn't available on the NHS as its seen as cosmetic even though it would have a huge impact on my physical and emotional well being. There is certain criteria to meet on the NHS and I only meet 2 of them and not the third and have exhausted all options here. I have been to see a consultant privately called Dr Chris Hill at kingsbridge private hospital. After a consultation and examination he agrees theres a need for several procedures to address the loose skin and that im a good candidate for them now. We decided to focus first on the place which causes me the most difficulties which is my stomach area. I need an abdominoplasty Fleur-de-Lis (which is an incision going from hip to hip and also upright aswell) along with muscle repair and a monsplasty. The cost i have been given for this is £13,560 which is more than I could ever save on my own.

WHY I AM ASKING FOR HELP

as a mum to two children with additional needs every penny goes towards giving them the care and support they deserve. I've never been someone to ask for help and I honestly hate doing this- but I've reached a point where I realise I just simply can't achieve this on my own. This surgery would be life changing for me, it would help me feel comfortable in my own body for the first time, give me confidence and allow me to train and move around without pain or catching or nipping my skin.

Any amount you can give-no matter how small would mean the world to me and I would be forever grateful even if your unable to donate please consider sharing my story and link to others as every share will reach more people and bring me closer to my goal.

From the bottom of my heart thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness and support would genuinely change my life.

With love and gratitude,

Diane x