Hi, I’m Vicki.

On May 5th, 2025, my life changed forever.

For years, I lived with PTSD and anxiety — always putting on a brave face and using clip-on veneers to hide the fear I had of the dentist. It seemed easier to cover my smile than face the pain behind it. But that Bank Holiday Monday, everything came crashing down.

What started as a toothache turned into something far more dangerous — a rare, life-threatening infection called Ludwig’s Angina. Within hours, my tongue had swollen so much that I couldn’t breathe or speak. My son, terrified, called 999 while my sister Adele rushed to help.

At A&E, my infection levels were 650 — dangerously high. The doctors acted fast, but my condition was already spiralling. I was rushed for emergency surgery, and over the next few days, things got worse before they got better. I endured:

⚡ Multiple surgeries

⚡ Five days in ICU, sedated

⚡ Being told my life was hanging by a thread

The infection spread through my face and neck, and doctors had to perform several procedures to drain it. It was one of the most frightening and painful experiences of my life.

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The Long Road to Recovery

When I woke in ICU, I was unrecognisable. My face was swollen, my speech was gone, and several teeth were missing. Eating, talking, and even swallowing became painful challenges. My vocal cords were damaged and are still healing, and every day feels like a mountain to climb — but I’m climbing it with gratitude.

I’ve stopped smoking, started rebuilding my strength, and focused on recovery. My incredible son Nee — who saved my life that morning — has been my anchor. My sister Adele, my mum, stepdad, and close friends have been my lifeline.

But there’s one thing that still holds me back:

My smile — or rather, the loss of it.

I can’t eat properly, I struggle to talk, and when I look in the mirror, I see scars where confidence used to be. I survived something extraordinary… but now I want to truly live again.

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Why I’m Asking for Help

I’m raising £8,000 to travel to Turkey for dental implants — to restore my smile, my ability to eat, and my confidence.

The NHS can’t provide this level of restoration, and private treatment in the UK is simply out of reach. The treatment abroad is high-quality, safe, and affordable — but still far beyond my means.

Your kindness will help cover:

Full dental implants and treatment in Turkey

✈️ Flights and accommodation

Aftercare and recovery costs

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My Promise and My Gratitude

This experience gave me a second chance at life, and I’m determined to make the most of it. I want to smile freely again, eat without pain, and feel like me once more.

If you’ve ever faced something that made you feel small, scared, or silenced — you’ll understand why this means so much.

Every share, every kind word, every donation — no matter how small — will help me take one step closer to feeling whole again.

From the bottom of my heart,

Thank you for helping me rebuild my smile and my life. ❤️

— Vicki https://youtube.com/shorts/vc76rEtw4vk?si=sH4bgwECmutjfNlN