Hi, my name is Karen, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in August 2021, that has been a battle in itself. After radiotherapy, 6 months of Chemotherapy & 2 years of constant antibiotics without a break to fight sepsis my life has completely changed, my teeth rotted and started to break up, even if I bit into a sandwich a piece of tooth would break off, it was so bad that I had toothache in every tooth in my head, I couldn't eat or drink properly, and I lost 2 stone on weight.

On the 28th November 2025 I had to have all of my teeth removed, I had no other options. since then I have had to eat mashed up food that my husband prepares for me every day, I am now depressed and fed up, with no prospect of raising enough funds to get my implants, until now that is. I am starting to lose weight, which is a concern because of the risk of the cancer returning, something that is on my mind all of the time!

I cannot get NHS help, and my dentist is telling me that I need £25,000 to have implants as the false teeth I had made will not work as my jawline has receded, my upper jaw has receded to my nasal passage, the upper implants will have to be drilled into my cheek bones, at the moment it looks like I am destined to live my life without any teeth, this keeps me in home because it is embarrassing, I cannot smile as doing this draws attention to my face & mouth, I feel as if people are staring at me. I do not want to be seen out like this, the only time I leave home is to go to the Doctors or Hospital, I am hopeful that one day I may be able to eat properly and smile again. Any funds, if any, that are left over I will donate to the George Eliot Hospital Cancer unit, that undoubtedly saved my life 5 years ago. please help if you can! Thank you.