Maisie's ACL Surgery

I tore my ACL and meniscus in 2019 playing 7s with Worcester Warriors and Tropic 7s. This was 2 and a half years ago; since then it has had a large effect on my physical and mental wellbeing. I am now asking for help to fund my ACL surgery privately as I cannot fully afford the cost and have exhausted NHS services.

I started playing rugby with Llandeilo RFC and previous to tearing my ACL I had played in the Youth Commonwealth Games, Rugby Europe and UK School Games for under 18s Wales and in 2018 had been selected for the autumn international Wales women’s training squad before going out to Dubai 7s with Welsh 7s squad. As well as this I had played for Scarlet’s women since 2016 and at the time of injury was training with Worcester Warriors and captaining the 1st XV at University of Birmingham.

It has now been over 2 years post injury. My knee gives way and locks multiple times a month. It has caused me a large amount of emotional stress and physical pain. It is heart-breaking to no longer be able to play the sport I love, and at times I still find it very difficult to watch or enjoy the game. It has caused me to isolate myself from such an incredible community.

The reason I haven’t had surgery is quite confusing I was on the list in Birmingham however due to Covid I was taken off. When moving to start my job in NHS Wales I went through my GP to get an appointment with my doctor. From here I have been on 3 different waiting lists, referred from person to person, each time getting my hopes up before being declined. Whether that be due to consultant wanting a more specialised doctor to do it, hospitals not carrying out elective surgery due to Covid or funding reasons. Each one of these consultants are amazing and listened to me however due to external admin issues surgery would fall through.

As mentioned above I work in the NHS as a physiotherapist in the Intensive Care Unit (ITU), Cardiology (Heart) and Oncology (Cancer), this is a very stressful and physical job. At times I find it difficult to keep delivering the best quality care and treatment I can due to the pain and instability in my knee.

I am very lucky for the support network I have around me, some amazing friends and family who have been there for me during all the ups and downs. I don’t know what will happen after this surgery, I have many aspirations and goals in sport and life but in the short term I just want to be able to function and enjoy life not second guess my knee and abilities. I would be very grateful for any donations people are able to make.

Thank you, Maisie