Meet Suzanne and our dog Charlie

Almost a year ago, our sister Suzanne suffered an extremely serious spinal injury. After two weeks of constant chronic neck pain and lack of meaningful response by clinicians, Suzanne was unable to lift her arms from her lap and her legs gave way. She was rushed to hospital where an abscess on her spinal cord was diagnosed and she immediately underwent very lengthy and complex surgery.

Amazing surgeons at Charing Cross Hospital in London successfully removed the abscess and re-assembled her spine with screws and pins, but when she awoke from her anaesthetic the next day, she was paralysed from the neck down.

We do not know what caused the abscess. One doctor told Suzanne she was 'just one of the unlucky ones'. Nevertheless, Suzanne's indomitable spirit shone through from that very first moment. She has not let this tragic event overwhelm her and she remains utterly determined to achieve a full recovery. Indeed her surgeon has told us that she is the most determined patient he has ever met.

Every day since her surgery, Suzanne has strived to get better. The immense support she has received from friends, family, relatives, work colleagues and even strangers has helped her to maintain her courage and strength of determination. We are not surprised by her resolve: we would expect nothing less from our big sister. We could not be more proud of her for getting this far and never giving up.

In January, Suzanne was transferred from the National Spinal Injuries Centre to Steps Rehabilitation in Sheffield. Since then, her progress has been phenomenal and we are all so grateful to the wonderful team at Steps who are giving Suzanne the support and encouragement she needs. However, Suzanne is due to leave Steps in about a month's time.

We know Suzanne feels she would make even greater progress if she was able to extend her stay, but the cost of private rehabilitation is not insignificant. So, we have decided to set up a 'gofundme' page to help Suzanne achieve her recovery ambitions. We therefore invite her friends, family, loved ones, work colleagues and anyone else for whom this appeal strikes a chord to help that ambition become a reality. Even just a small increase in time spent at Steps will benefit Suzanne. but we obviously want to help her to extend her stay for as long as possible.

2022 was not kind to Suzanne. This major health setback resulted in the closure of the Clifton Davies Consultancy business that she had jointly set up in 2012 and which was so dear to her heart. The future that she had planned looked very different. Please help make 2023 the year that helps Suzanne achieve a full recovery and give her future back to her. Come and be a part of her story. Your support is truly appreciated.

Sending thoughts of love and strength to all others going through similarly challenging times. Thank you.

Jacqueline & Karl