Hi, my name is Ed (Eliyahu). I’m a 25-year-old PE teacher from Edgware who has been struggling with sight loss and chronic pain, caused by a failed spinal surgery, for years. I am now raising funds to help save my vision and regain my quality of life.

Two years ago, while working at Naima JPS, I was diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to gradually change shape, leading to worsening vision over time. Unfortunately, treatment options through the NHS have been very slow, and during this time my eyesight has continued to deteriorate.

Private treatment would allow me to receive the care I urgently need to stabilise my vision and potentially avoid a future corneal transplant. With the right procedure, there is a chance to preserve the sight I still have and prevent further damage.

Around the same time as my keratoconus diagnosis, I also suffered a severe disc herniation at the L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels of my spine. After months of being unable to work, dress myself, or live anything close to a normal life, I underwent spinal surgery to remove part of the disc. The surgery initially brought some relief, but the disc has since re-herniated as the surgery failed, bringing back intense and often paralysing back pain.

The pain is severe and affects me both physically and mentally. For the past two years I have struggled to move without pain, and I am simply hoping for the chance to return to a normal life.

Dealing with both worsening vision and chronic spinal pain at the same time has had a profound impact on my daily life. As a teacher, my ability to see clearly and move without pain is essential to continuing the career I love and supporting my students.

Growing up, I competed at a national level in judo, wrestling, and gymnastics, and I have always been active within the Jewish community and beyond. The last two years have left me unable to continue with the things that meant the most to me. My life has become almost unrecognisable due to the chronic pain and ongoing sight loss.

Any support towards the cost of surgery and treatment would make a huge difference in helping me preserve my vision, manage my health, and return to living and working normally.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. If you’re able to donate or share this page, it would mean more to me than I can express.