My name is Jen Winters. I’m a barber. I’m a self-starter. I’m someone who has worked hard, without shortcuts, to build a PhoneyPony Barbers that welcomes everyone. For years, I poured everything into my barbershop — early mornings, late nights, and every ounce of energy I had. It wasn’t just a job. It was my independence, my purpose, and my way of expressing myself. The barbershop has become its own unique personality and identity, that has been built by everyone that has walked through the doors over 8year.

Unfortunately now I do not have control over of my body! Leaving me wheelchair bound and u able to speak! Relying on family to care for me. I am a barber without the banter.

What Happened

In June 2025, I was admitted to Hospital. I spent 7 weeks in there undergoing many tests. While my health declined, so did my ability to walk and talk! My body continually twitches. I still struggle to breathe! The pain is ever going! I’m always so exhausted as my body does not rest. Simple things like bathing,brushing my teeth and getting dressed, I am in need of assistance of them all.

The Hospital then finally diagnosed me with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

What is FND?

FND is a serious neurological condition in which the brain’s signals to the body become disrupted. It can cause:

• Limb weakness or paralysis

• Non-epileptic seizures and blackouts

• Loss of coordination, balance, or speech

• Chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues

Luckily with early intervention and proper treatment, people with FND can often recover or manage their condition. However the treatment is often expensive. Using the correct specialists is crucial to the fasted and best recovery.

Why I Need Help

Since being discharged, I’ve been unable to work. My income has stopped, making it huge struggle to cover bills and fearing the thought it may close. The place we have made a safe space for so many people.

As for treatment of my FND I have to have many sessions of Pychio to relearn how to control my body. I will need speech therapy to regain voice. I will need psychiatric help give me the tools to control episodes that can happen at anytime. This type of help is very costly and yet another worry to add to my life.

I never imagined I’d be here, asking for help from my friends and from strangers. I am trying to survive, and I cannot do it alone.

What Your Support Will Help With

• Covering essential living costs while I recover

• Keeping the barbershop afloat — rent, utilities,

• Medical travel, rehabilitation, and adaptive care

Every donation helps me hold onto the life I built. Every share spreads the word. Every act of support makes it more likely I can return to work and my life!

If you would like to see my journey with Neil from the Wellbeing Hub then I have provided the link.

https://www.facebook.com/share/173kVwK2PB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Thank you for reading, for standing with me, and for believing in me.

Jen Winters