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I am sharing this on behalf of Nicky, my friend of 30 years and her close family and friends.
Please read Nic's story - if you're not able to donate, even sharing this could change her future.
On the 19th March, Nic was found collapsed on the floor of her home - unconscious, unresponsive and fighting for her life. She had called 111, the day prior, feeling unwell and was told to rest and take painkillers. By the time help arrived, she was already slipping away. She was rushed to hospital and at one point, doctors told those closest to her that she had contracted bacterial meningitis, might not survive the night and even if she did, life would look very different for her. There was no certainty she would ever wake up. But she defied the odds and medical expectation and fought her way back.
Nic lives alone with her beloved dog, Bear. the past few years have already tested her more than most - redundancy, a chronic health diagnosis, an accident resulting in broken bones among other personal challenges, but was quietly rebuilding her life.
She had just begun to find her footing, when meningitis struck without warning. She has now been in the hospital for weeks. The infection has left her with life-changing consequences;
- Complete hearing loss in both ears
- Potential loss of sight in one eye
- Severe mobility issues - she can only walk short distances with a frame
- Double vision and exhaustion that make even reading information difficult, let alone completing the volume of paperwork needed, even with help from friends and family
Nic will be celebrating her 50th birthday this month - she is alive and that's what matters most! But she has the overwhelming task of learning to live again.
Why we're asking for help
Nic's family live hours away. Family and close friends are doing everything they can but the challenges ahead are immense;
- She is still in hospital and unable to work
- Her employer can only pay Statutory Sick Pay
- Her rent and bills are piling up
- She has no capacity right now to navigate the complex maze of financial support, disability benefits or housing assistance
- She is physically and mentally exhausted, trying to process a world where she can no longer hear. Anyone that knows Nic will know how much she adored music and a good party!
Nicky just needs time - some breathing space to recover and adapt and access the help she is entitled to. Without it, the risk of losing her home becomes very real. And after everything she has survived, the threat of eviction would be devastating. Nic has worked hard her whole life and has never been faced with this before.
What your support will do
We are raising funds to cover her rent and essential bills for as long as possible. This means Nic can
- Focus on rehabilitation and recovery
- Begin learning to communicate in a world without sound
- Access financial and practical support from the authorities
- Return home safely without the fear of debt or homelessness hanging over her
Every donation, no matter the size, gives her stability at a time when her entire life has been turned upside down.
Please help make Nicky's future positive.
Nic has already shown extraordinary strength. She survived. She now needs the help of a community to help her take the next steps - slowly, safely and without fear of losing the home she loves.
With time, rehabilitation and support, Nic has a real chance to rebuild her independence. Your donations will give her that chance.
If you can help, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you can share, share, share her story, that matters just as much.
Team Nicky xx
Organizer and beneficiary
Stacie Fulford
Organizer
Nicky Hillier
Beneficiary