A few months ago, our dear friend Kirstine, a single mother to 5 children, 3 of them very young, was celebrating the incredible news that she was all clear after breast cancer.

But then, everything changed.

Kirstine suddenly began suffering from severe migraines and persistent vomiting. After a trip to A&E, doctors discovered that her cancer had spread to her brain.

Within days, Kirstine underwent emergency surgery to remove a brain tumour. We’re so relieved to say all has gone to plan, and she is currently recovering at Queen Square Hospital in London, surrounded by incredible medical staff, but facing a challenging road ahead.

Over the coming months, Kirstine will need time to heal, rest, and focus entirely on recovery. Doctors expect that she will be unable to work for at least the next three months.

This fundraiser is to help ease the financial pressure during this incredibly difficult time.

Funds raised will help cover:

Right now, Kirstine’s focus needs to be on getting stronger and being with her family, not worrying about how to keep everything afloat.

If you’re able to contribute - no matter how small - it will make a huge difference. And if you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean the world.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.

❤️

How Your Support Will Help Kirstine

Kirstine is facing around three months of recovery after emergency brain surgery. During this time she will be unable to work and will need additional support both at home and with her health and rehabilitation.

We’ve set out below a transparent breakdown of the costs we’re hoping to help cover during this period so that Kirstine can focus fully on healing and spending time with her family.

Childcare Support

When Kirstine returns home from hospital, she will still need significant rest and recovery time. To make this possible, we are hoping to provide before-school and after-school childcare during the week.

This support will help ensure her children are cared for while also giving Kirstine the space she needs to recover safely from brain surgery.

Schedule:

Monday – Friday

• 7:00am – 8:30am

• 3:30pm – 8:00pm

Total: 6 hours per day @ £15 per hour

£90 per day

£450 per week

Approx. £1,800 per month

3 months childcare support: £5,400

Lost Earnings

During recovery Kirstine will be unable to work.

This fund will help cover a basic level of income so she can focus on healing without the added stress of immediate financial pressure.

£1,000 per month

3 months: £3,000

Keeping Lot 103 Running

Many of you will know how much Lot 103 café means to Kirstine and the local community. As a new business, it's particularly vulnerable to unexpected costs.

Andrea has generously stepped in to cover Kirstine’s role while she recovers so the café can continue operating and supporting the community.

£1,500 per month

3 months: £4,500

Therapies Supporting Recovery

Alongside her medical treatment, Kirstine hopes to access supportive therapies that may help with recovery, circulation, inflammation and overall wellbeing.

Light Therapy + High-Dose Vitamin Infusions

Every 2 weeks for 3 months (6 sessions)

£750 per session

Total: £4,500

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage is helpful, specifically after breast cancer treatment from which Kir has only just recovered, because lymph nodes were removed and/or damaged during treatment. The therapy helps move lymph fluid through alternative pathways to reduce swelling and support proper drainage.

Every 2 weeks for 3 months (6 sessions)

£160 per session

Total: £960

Therapeutic Massage

For general healing and stress relief.

Every 2 weeks for 3 months (6 sessions)

£160 per session

Total: £960

These therapies are intended to support Kirstine’s body through recovery and help improve comfort, mobility and wellbeing.

Legal Support

Following such an unexpected medical emergency, Kirstine also needs to put some important legal arrangements in place to protect her family.

Will writing - legal fees: £1,500

Total Fundraising Goal: £20,820

Reaching this goal would give Kirstine three months of stability to focus on recovery, her children, and the treatment ahead, without the immediate pressure of trying to hold everything together financially.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will help.