This page has been set up by family members of Hayleigh, Matty, Lacey and Carter as a way to share Lacey’s story and ultimately help to fund an extension to get her home from hospital as soon as possible.

Last month, our family received heart-breaking news that would change our lives forever. Lacey, aged 12 years old, had a dual diagnosis of scoliosis and a complete spinal cord injury from T5 down.

Scoliosis is usually corrected with high success rates, but in Lacey’s case, there was greater concern surrounding the tumour around her spinal cord.

Pre diagnosis, Lacey had experienced various symptoms including; numbness in her legs and pain when walking. Once the diagnosis was received, it was decided that because of the concerning tumour and complexity of her case, surgery would be required almost immediately.

Devastatingly, despite best efforts of two surgeries, Lacey has no sensation or movement from the waist down and is now unable to walk.

There is not yet an explanation as to why Lacey is unable to feel or move her lower body. Surgeons believe that compression from the tumour has damaged her spinal cord. The extent of the damage is unknown and specialists are unsure if she will regain any sensation or movement. So for now, the future remains very much unknown.

There will be various supports, therapies and treatments trailed over the coming days, weeks, months or even years in the hope that Lacey will improve.

Throughout all this Lacey has been so amazingly brave. She’s been through a lot, both physically and emotionally and yet she still has a smile on her face. We’re so proud of how her loving, fiery and happy nature continues to shine through every day. We all feel deeply inspired by her positive outlook, even whilst knowing that she may never walk or do many other activities in life again.

Our goal is to return home as a family, but before that is possible, there needs to be a large number of changes to our house to make it suitable for her. To allow Lacey to have as much independence as possible, we will need to build an extension equipped with bedroom and bathroom facilities that will allow wheelchair access. This is a huge task, with an equally huge financial cost attached. But in order for her to live a relatively normal life, it is necessary to undergo this development. All money donated will be used directly to fund the various works required. As Lacey will have care and support needs ongoing throughout the rest of her life, any additional money raised will contribute towards this.

As you can imagine, there are immeasurable mental, emotional and financial burdens that come with this sudden and devastating news. So any financial help at this time will be deeply appreciated whilst we work to give Lacey the best quality of life possible. We have no doubt that her determination and strength will continue to surprise us all.

Thank you very much for being part of this journey with us.