Hi, I’m Toby Francis (they/he). I’m 30, I live in Brighton with my cat Mitski. I spent the last 6 years working with young people and children either in homelessness prevention or sexual violence support. As you can imagine… I’ve not made a whole lot of money (in fact, I’m in a lot of debt).

I realised this year, after some time, that I couldn’t live like I am anymore. I came out as nonbinary in 2020. At 31 I want to finally be able to live my life as me. But because we live on terf island and I am finding myself in a position where most months i’m borrowing money or selling something… I’ve been fundraising to reach my goal of 10k for top surgery.

A lot of money, right? People have commented on how insane the amount of work I’m putting into this is. But, if you were told you had to raise 10k in less than a year, or you might not survive that next you, would you do it? I would. So I am.

I have raised 4,200 (yay!). It’s been a lot of work, and has been emotionally hard, as an autistic person trying to navigate other people getting involved, stretching myself beyond my limits when I’ve not been well or had significant life events happening in the background. Having to publicly put myself out there over and over again, even when I’m not really well enough to do so.

I need 10k for the following:

Surgery itself: 6,800

Flights and accommodation in Madrid (for surgery): 1500 (ish)

Time off work: 1000 (ish) - I’m self-employed and so will need to be able to cover my rent (600) and some bills (around 350) when I’m physically unable to work

I wish I could access the care I need another way, but I must rely on community. So please help if you can. Sharing with friends, donating or even doing a small bit of fundraising yourself would mean the world to me. When I’m out the other side and in bed for a month I am going to dream so many ways of showing those around me how grateful I am, rather than just shouting it into an online void as I have been.

Unfortunately Crowdfunder sets an expiry date and closed the first page. Thank you so much to anyone who's donated so far. Toby is forever grateful.

You can find the first page here: Toby's Crowdfunder