Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to read my story — it truly means more than you know.

For those who don’t know me or my journey, I have struggled with my weight since childhood.

This was largely due to long-term steroid treatments, which unfortunately had a significant impact on my body.

By the age of 24, I had reached my largest size, between a UK size 28–30.

At that point, I knew I needed to make a change — not just physically, but for my overall health and wellbeing.

I went to my GP for support and was offered a gastric band. However, I made the decision to decline this, as I wanted to lose the weight myself and fully commit to a lifestyle change that I could sustain long-term.

I began educating myself about nutrition and how to maintain a calorie deficit.

I started swimming to avoid putting too much strain on my joints, and once I reached a size 22, I found the gym — and everything changed.

I started weight training and doing cardio 5–6 days a week, and I can honestly say it has transformed my life. Not only physically, but mentally as well.

The gym has truly become something I genuinely love and rely on

Today, I am a size 16 — something I once never thought would be possible.

However, my journey has also come with challenges. I now live with a significant amount of excess skin.

Because of how much I train, my skin has thinned and, at times, has split.

This is not only painful but also deeply upsetting and, at times, embarrassing.

As this began happening more frequently, my mental health started to suffer.

There are days where I struggle to look at myself in the mirror, and I find it difficult to feel comfortable or confident in my own body.

Finding clothes that fit well and make me feel even slightly confident has become a daily challenge.

For a long time, I tried to push through and focus only on how far I had come. But eventually, I knew I needed help.

I reached out to the NHS to explore options for excess skin removal.

Unfortunately, I was told that because I did not undergo weight loss surgery, I do not meet the criteria for treatment and would need to fund this myself.

This was incredibly disheartening.

With the encouragement of my friends and family, I found the courage to attend a private consultation. This was a very vulnerable experience for me, as I feel extremely self-conscious about my body.

Thankfully, the consultation was positive and reassuring. I was told that I am a suitable candidate for surgery, and that my arm lift and excess skin removal could be done in one operation.

Hearing this was overwhelming — in a hopeful way. For the first time, it felt like this could actually be possible.

However, the cost of the surgery is £18,195.

While there are cheaper options available, including going abroad, I do not feel comfortable taking that risk due to my heart condition, SVT (supraventricular tachycardia).

For my safety, it’s important that I have this procedure in a trusted environment with access to immediate medical support if needed.

The surgeon I have chosen operates from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, which gives me confidence that I will be in the safest possible hands.

This is why I am asking for your help.

Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to me and help me take this final step in my journey — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and uplifted me along the way. I truly would not have made it this far without you.

And to anyone reading this who I may never meet — thank you for your time, your kindness, and your support