Hello, my name is Israa Affify

Here is the YouTube link that documents everything I've been through over the past few months:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAyy70G3w1I&list=PLNvvxshERIOxKDB7OEif7xCoNhLdZSQ9T&index=4

UPDATE: I DID IT – I GRADUATED WITH DISTINCTION!

Against all odds, after suffering a stroke, losing my income, and fighting through isolation and pain, I completed my Master's degree in Film and Television Production at the University of Birmingham with a Distinction.

But I need your help for one final push to make this achievement official.

I now have just £3,750 left to pay to receive my MA certificate. Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors and friends, I've already raised £1,500 – we're so close to the finish line!

THE SITUATION:

I came to the UK alone – without family, without a safety net – but with a dream of building a better life through hard work and education. I was accepted into the Master's program and paid my way through my first year working as a freelance media producer.

Then, in February this year, I had a stroke. Suddenly, I lost everything: my health, my ability to work, my income, and even many of my friends who said, "Israa, this is too much for me."

But I refused to lose my education.

Even from my hospital bed, I continued submitting coursework. I pushed through the fear, the pain, and the profound loneliness because I believed in my future. And I succeeded – I earned a Distinction.

THE CHALLENGE NOW:

I have a strong chance of receiving my MA certificate this month – but only if I can pay the remaining £3,700. Without it, despite all my hard work and my Distinction, I wouldn't have the degree that opens the door to my PhD and my career in the UK.

Meanwhile, I'm still on my recovery journey from the stroke. I'm scheduled for a cardiac catheterisation procedure to close a small hole in my heart. I'm fighting every day to heal while also fighting to secure my future.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

This isn't just about a piece of paper. This MA with Distinction is:

My ticket to a PhD program

My path to rebuilding a stable career in the UK

My proof that resilience, determination, and faith can overcome the darkest moments

My chance to call my mother and say, "Mom, I graduated with Distinction"

WE'RE SO CLOSE:

✅ £2,000 already raised

MA completed with Distinction

Only £3,750 left to go

Certificate within reach THIS MONTH

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Every pound brings me closer to holding that certificate in my hands, to starting my PhD, to rebuilding my life after a stroke.

Whether you can give £5, £50, or £500, your kindness will change my life. You'll be part of the story of how I survived, graduated with Distinction, and refused to give up.

"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives. And that his effort is going to be seen." – Surah An-Najm (53:39–40)

I've done the work. I've earned the Distinction. Now I'm asking for your help to make it official.

Please donate or share. Every small act of kindness brings me closer to healing, hope, and the future I've fought so hard to build.

Thank you for being part of my journey.

With gratitude and hope,

Israa Affify