Hi, my name is Katrina and I’m raising funds for my son, Jared.

Jared is 19 years old, and since he was a small child he has had one constant dream: owning a Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor or taxi. It might sound simple, but for him it represents independence, normality, and something solid to hold onto when life has been anything but easy.

Jared was diagnosed with autism, hypermobility and extreme anxiety at just 3 years old so life has always been a challenge to negotiate, Three years ago, we nearly lost Jared. He was rushed into hospital and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after suffering severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Until that moment, we had no idea he was diabetic. He spent two traumatic weeks in hospital, and when he came home, life was never the same. Managing Type 1 diabetes at such a young age has been an ongoing struggle — physically, mentally, and emotionally — but Jared kept going.

Since then, he passed his driving test and began saving toward his dream car. It gave him focus and motivation — something to look forward to beyond hospital appointments and blood sugar readings.

Then, in August last year, our world was turned upside down again.

After months of a persistent cough, Jared was rushed into A&E coughing up large amounts of blood. What we initially thought were college bugs / viruses turned out to be far more serious. An X-ray revealed a shadow on his lung. Further scans showed it was actually a mass. This led to CT scans, a PET scan, and a bronchoscopy under general anaesthetic.

During surgery, further complications were discovered.

Jared has now been diagnosed with a tumour in his lung and is facing major surgery later this month, where he will lose half of his left lung in order to remove it. At just 19 years old, he is facing something no young person should have to.

Through endless testing, waiting for results, fear, and uncertainty, one thing has kept him grounded — his dream car. It became more than just a vehicle. It became hope. A future. A reminder that there is life beyond hospitals.

Unfortunately, between medical challenges, limited ability to work, and rising costs of living, this dream has always remained just out of reach for him.

We are hoping to raise funds to help make this dream a reality for Jared — to give him something positive to focus on as he faces surgery, recovery, and a long road ahead. This isn’t about luxury; it’s about giving Jared something that represents freedom, strength, and normal life, like every other 19 year old

If you’re able to donate, share, or simply keep Jared in your thoughts, it would mean more to us than we can put into words. Thank you for taking the time to read his story.