Phil has had Rheumatoid Arthritis since 1989 and her ankle, specifically, has been deteriorating steadily since an injury in 2015. Her right ankle doesn’t work anymore. It hasn’t worked properly for years.

Mobility issues are now significant due to the decline and damage to the joint. The last few years have seen Phil’s mobility and muscle strength severely compromised, causing significant and unrelenting pain, and permanent trauma to her ankle. Walking is now beyond a challenge, even with a stick it is verging on the impossible. As if this wasn’t enough, the impact of her rheumatoid drugs is to leave her brain fogged, forgetful, fatigued and nauseous…. ALL the time.

The current, and now urgent issue, is the seriously advanced degenerative and rheumatoid damage to her ankle.

Phil is now under the care of a specialist in complex ankle surgery at The Nuffield in Bournemouth. Finally, someone is listening and acting on what those of us who know her, have known for years. Her consultant is recommending a total ankle replacement ASAP!

This is where we need your help. This operation will cost £20,000 ($27,000). It includes all surgeon’s fees, hospital fees, x-rays, follow up appointments with the surgeon, and all associated physiotherapy. The alternative is to stay in the hands of the NHS with a potential wait of another year and the continued deterioration that will occur, before the surgery is undertaken.

The costs prior to surgery, including a complex CT scan, have already been generously covered – so the ball is rolling.

We are asking for your help because this is a significant cost that the wider family cannot meet on its own. On behalf of all those who watch Phil’s resolute struggle every day, living her life through gritted teeth, PLEASE consider helping make this operation possible. Thank you so much for anything you can do. Every pound (or dollar) will help.

If you need any more information to help make your contribution a reality, please ask. Thanks once again.