Help Lucy Reclaim Her Life After a Spinal Stroke

Hi everyone, my name is Abbie, and I'm writing this for my sister, Lucy Dunford.

In December 2024, our lives changed forever.

Lucy was just 19 years old. What started as what she thought was a simple backache rapidly escalated into a nightmare. Within a matter of hours, Lucy suffered a spinal stroke, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down.

The Journey So Far

At first, none of us could truly grasp the gravity of what was happening-you never think something this devastating will happen to someone so young and full of life. Lucy endured absolute torture in the hospital, including painful lumbar punctures and weeks of uncertaintv. It wasn't until her 3rd week inhospital, with no signs of improvement, that the reality truly set in.

On April 1st-Lucy's 20th birthday-she finally received the official diagnosis: a Spinal Stroke.

The Daily Reality

Since that day, Lucy has faced challenges that no 20-year-old should have to endure:

• Loss of Independence: She cannot use the bathroom alone and requires a permanent catheter.

• Intense Physical Pain: She suffers from leg spasms so violent they have actually thrown her out of her wheelchair.

Medical Fragility: For a long time, she couldn't even sit up without passing out.Why We Need Your Help

Despite Lucy's bravery and her status as a university student with her whole future ahead of her, the NHS has refused to provide the level of intensive physiotherapy she desperately needs to see any real improvement.

We have found a path forward, but it is expensive. We are already working toward a specialized treatment that costs £20,000 (not including flights). This GoFundMe is specifically to raise the £10,000 needed for the intensive follow-up physiotherapy required after that treatment.

Without this specialized physio, the treatment itself won't be enough. Lucy needs consistent, professional, and intense physical therapy to manage her spasms and work toward any level of recovery or comfort.How You Can Help

Lucy is a fighter, but she shouldn't have to fight this system alone. We are asking for anything you can spare to help get a 20-year-old girl back to some semblance of the life she deserves.

• Donate: No amount is too small. Every pound goes directly toward Lucy's rehabilitation.

• Share: Please share this link on your social media, with your friends, and with your family.

Thank you for reading Lucy's story and for your kindness during the hardest chapter of our lives.

With love and gratitude, Abbie & the Dunford Family