Hi, my name is Malindi and I am fundraising for my friend Mel Sanchez and her beautiful 10 year old daughter Leila.

Leila is in a serious condition in hospital after she had a terrible accident, where she ingested a highly caustic substance, leading to severe internal injuries and burns to her mouth, oesophagus and stomach. She has just come out of three weeks in intensive care, and is facing a long and painful road to recovery.

Mel is by her bedside day and night, so she cannot work to pay rent or any other bills or basic needs. She is a single mum.

We are fundraising to help them be able to cover their basic needs over the coming weeks and months, which have been estimated at $1000 per week. They also have medical expenses as Leila will have to be fed via a tube to her intestines for years to come, and may have to undergo major surgery on her oesophagus. Once she is discharged from hospital they will have to visit the hospital in Newcastle monthly to get her oeaophagus dilatated.

This is something that will really help them during this really difficult time, your donation is so appreciated. Any amount you can spare will make a huge difference.

Thank you for your compassion, you are making a huge contribution and we are all so grateful.