Hi, my name is Bea, and I'm writing this on behalf of my friend Eliza.

Due to the progression of her multiple sclerosis, Eliza is no longer well enough to create and manage a fundraiser herself. So I am asking for help on her behalf.

I've known Eliza for years, and watching what she has been through has been incredibly difficult.

Eliza is 46 years old and has been living with multiple sclerosis for the last 12 years. The disease has gradually taken away her mobility, her independence, her ability to work, and many of the things most of us take for granted. Today, she spends most of her time bedridden.

But as hard as MS has been, it is not the greatest heartbreak of her life.

Five years ago, her daughter went to Poland with her father for what was supposed to be a temporary stay while he completed his studies. Eliza agreed because she trusted him and believed they would soon return home.

Instead, he later told her that he had no intention of coming back to the UK.

For Eliza, the shock was devastating.

As if that wasn't enough, her ex partner later applied to the court for full custody of their daughter, arguing that Eliza's illness meant she should have a very limited role in her daughter's life.

Although the court did not remove Eliza's parental rights completely, they were significantly restricted.

Today, Eliza has very little involvement in decisions affecting her daughter. In many situations, she can only ask for information, and it is entirely up to her ex-partner whether he chooses to share updates about their daughter's life.

Imagine knowing your child is growing up, reaching milestones, facing challenges, making plans for the future, and having no real say in any of it.

Imagine having to wait and hope that someone will tell you what is happening in your own child's life.

No mother should have to live with that.

Despite everything, Eliza and her daughter remain in contact, and their bond means the world to her.

Eliza is not trying to control her daughter's future. She simply wants to be part of it.

She wants her daughter to be happy, to make her own choices, and to grow up knowing that her mother has always loved and supported her. She believes that any decisions about her daughter's future should be made with her daughter's best interests at heart and without pressure from anyone.

Unfortunately, because Eliza lives in the UK and her daughter lives in Poland, she has found herself trapped between two legal systems. She has struggled to access legal aid and is unable to afford the legal costs needed to challenge the current court arrangements.

We are hoping to raise funds to help with legal fees, court costs, translations, paperwork, and the professional support needed to give Eliza a fair chance to be heard.

Any money raised beyond the legal costs will go towards physiotherapy and rehabilitation, which are essential in helping Eliza maintain as much mobility, comfort, and independence as possible while living with MS.

Multiple sclerosis has already taken so much from her.

She is fighting every day not to let it take her daughter too.

If you can help, no matter how small the amount, we would be deeply grateful.

And if you cannot donate, please consider sharing Eliza's story.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for caring.

And thank you for helping a mother stay connected to the child she loves.