Beloved Hearts, friends, visitors,

My name is Serena.

Before March 2025, my husband Gabriel and I were living in temporary accommodation in Istanbul supported through a family connection. That support was suddenly withdrawn, and we found ourselves without stable housing or financial security. Since then, we have been moving between temporary housing in Istanbul while trying to manage my worsening health condition.

Last year, I was diagnosed as needing a hip replacement. At that time, the pain was difficult but manageable. Because of financial hardship, we were unable to proceed with surgery. Over time and through the strain of constant movement, changing beds, and instability my condition has significantly worsened.

My hip joint is now bone to bone. The grinding is damaging the rest of the hip and causing extreme pain. I cannot walk or sit for more than a short period. I am mostly confined to lying down. Even simple movement causes severe pain. Showering and using the bathroom are daily struggles. My posture has shifted, and my left leg now feels shorter than the right. The constant pain is worsening my high blood pressure and placing serious strain on my body. The pain is now unbearable, and I urgently need surgery within the next few weeks.

Originally, I had planned to return to the UK, my homeland, for treatment. We began seeking funding to make that possible. However, the necessary support did not arrive in time, and as my condition worsened, waiting was no longer an option. I now need to undergo surgery here in Turkey, as soon as possible.

Due to my severe mobility loss, my husband has become my full-time carer. He supports me physically every day. Because of this, he has not been able to generate income. When our housing support ended, we had no financial foundation, and my medical decline made rebuilding impossible.

So far, we have been supported through the kindness and donations of friends, and we are deeply grateful. But the urgency of this surgery now requires broader support.

Financial Breakdown

Target Goal: £56,000

• One-Full hip replacement surgery: £20,000

• Pre-operative tests, scans & hospital fees: £5,000

• Post-operative care & physiotherapy: £8,000

• Short term Furnished rental in Istanbul: £3,000 per month

(Minimum 6 months = £18,000)

• Basic living costs during recovery: £6,000

Total Goal: £56,000

It would be a blessing to recover, to feel like myself again, to regain my health and enjoy life beside my husband, and to begin creating a new chapter after these years of instability and pain.

If you are able to donate or share this campaign, it truly makes a difference.

We truly appreciate any donation and also your support in sharing our campaign with others. Every act of kindness brings us closer to safety and healing.

With gratitude,

Serena & Gabriel