My life has been defined by resilience, but after years of battling serious health complications, I am now facing one of the biggest challenges yet: finding a safe and accessible place to call home.

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 10 years old. At 15, I nearly lost my life after developing severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes. That was only the beginning of a long and difficult journey.

In August 2018, I was diagnosed with kidney disease caused by diabetes and began dialysis three times a week. Just a few months later, in January 2019, blood vessels burst at the back of my eyes, requiring multiple procedures, laser treatments, and injections to save my vision.

After years of treatment, I finally received a kidney transplant on 29 August 2022. It felt like a second chance at life. Unfortunately, in 2023, an infection travelled to the transplanted kidney, causing it to begin rejecting. By 2024, I had to return to dialysis, and in November of that year, the kidney had to be removed.

The challenges continued. In March 2025, I suffered a hypertensive crisis that caused swelling on my brain. Two months later, I began experiencing severe swelling in both feet and was diagnosed with Charcot foot, a serious condition that weakens the bones in the feet.

In October 2025, I underwent major reconstructive surgery on one foot. During the operation, my ankle bones had deteriorated so badly that surgeons had to stabilise the foot using a metal external frame. Tragically, just two weeks after being discharged, I developed an infection that required the frame to be removed much earlier than planned. Despite repeated treatments, the infection kept returning and eventually spread into the bone, leading to osteomyelitis.

To stop the infection from progressing further and prevent sepsis, doctors had no choice but to amputate my leg. While all of this was happening, my other foot also required treatment and was placed in a cast to prevent further damage from Charcot disease.

Today, I remain in hospital, not because I am medically unwell enough to stay, but because I have nowhere suitable to go. I now rely on a wheelchair, and my current studio flat is completely inaccessible. An Occupational Therapist assessed my accommodation and determined that:

The doorway is too narrow for independent wheelchair access.

I would need assistance simply to enter and leave my home.

I cannot access my bathroom in a wheelchair.

I would have to rely on a commode in my living space, with carers emptying it during visits.

I would be expected to plan toilet use around carer schedules.

I would need to take a wash bag and shower at dialysis or rehabilitation appointments several times a week because I cannot access my own shower.

After everything I have endured, I am simply asking for the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and safety.

The funds raised will help me secure suitable accessible accommodation, purchase essential mobility and accessibility equipment, cover moving costs, and support the adjustments needed to rebuild my life after amputation.

My future goals are to continue rebuilding my independence, improving my quality of life, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. I hope to return to work supporting vulnerable children and young people, helping them feel safe, supported, and empowered. I would also like to enjoy a holiday with family and friends, obtain a silicone prosthetic leg to improve my confidence and once cleared by the DVLA, learn to drive to increase my independence and ability to participate fully in everyday life.

Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to donate, sharing my story would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me take the next step forward.

Lauren

PEW PEW xx