Our local authority has decided to tear Saskia's final year of education from underneath her. Having completed 2yrs of a 3yr accredited course they now say that she can no longer attend the specialist placement that was originally named because it was the only place which could meet her physical as well as educational needs! She was all set to return in September, and just like that her education has been thrown into turmoil.

Of course we are fighting this, but unlike the council, we don't have ready access to legal teams so are having to raise the funds to pay for a barrister.

The legal advice we've had so far says the local authority are acting 'wildly unlawfully', but unless we challenge them, they will get away with taking Saskia’s aspirations away from her.

We aim to get her case before the judiciary ASAP and in the meantime try to halt their outrageous actions, and get her back studying before the impact on her education causes her to fall behind. We have to do this as quickly as possible. Her mental health is already impacted meaning the last few weeks she has been studying with the added pressure of not knowing if she will be able to even complete the course. Her dedication to do her best despite her disability, and now barriers deliberately placed in front of her continues to inspire us as a family. But the stress is starting to show.

Anyone who knows Sas will know the amount of pain has been living with since her scoliosis surgery got cancelled in lockdown, and her spine deteriorated to the point she now has breathing aids at night. She has constant struggles with her spine impacting her organs, and vascular necrosis, but STILL she strives to do her best and achieve good grades so she can get a job when she leaves college. We cannot let this be taken away from her when she has fought so hard to keep up!

She has told me she feels worthless because the council don't care about her future and have made decisions without even asking what she wants. She feels like she has no future. No young person should be made to feel like this, especially when they already struggle to achieve what we all take for granted.

Your donations will not only help us win her future back, but will help show her that people DO care and value her as a disabled young woman.

I know we are asking for a large target but this is actually under half of what our legal costs are predicted. Your donations will ensure we can apply for what's called an interim order, which if granted means the council cannot remove her from her college while the courts look over her case. This is essential in maintaining consistency and structure for her to learn. Once this is in place we are going to issue a judicial review and have her case before judges to determine just how unlawfully the council have acted. This will hopefully force the council into sticking to process which will only then give us a chance to appeal the wirhdrawl of her college at tribunal!! Such a long process which no 20yro should face just to get an education!

Unfortunately, every stage costs thousands in legal fees, with barristers and court fees alone. Then there is solicitor fees and of course even the paperwork needed. It is SO unfair!

So please, please do donate what you can and share share share to help Saskia get her future and possibly more importantly, her dignity back.

Thank you ❤️