On New Year’s Day when most of us were wishing for a year full of success and good health, my beautiful partner, Angel, suffered a major stroke and is currently in hospital in Madrid, Spain. Today is Angel’s birthday, he has just turned 37 years old. This has come as a devastating shock to me, his family and everyone who knows and loves him.

Angel is one of the most kind, loving, and selfless people I have ever known. He is someone who always puts others first and is deeply loved by many. Even now, while fighting for his recovery, his biggest worry is not himself — it’s how he will work, earn money, and continue to provide for his family. That is who Angel is.

The doctors believe the stroke was caused by chronic stress, largely from work. At this stage, we are praying every day for his brain to heal, for him to regain his bodily functions, and for him to be able to live a long, healthy life. His recovery journey will be long and uncertain, but we remain hopeful.

We have been navigating a long-distance relationship for over two years, and the distance has never felt harder than it does now. I travelled urgently from England to Spain to be by his side in ICU, which meant cancelling work shifts — and has put my job at risk and made our financial situation even harder. I am also balancing life as a mum to my four-year-old daughter, which makes being present for Angel even more challenging and costly.

We are asking for support to help us through this incredibly difficult time. Any funds raised will go towards:

• Angel’s recovery, including therapies, medicines and supporting him during rehabilitation

• Covering his essential bills while he is unable to work

• Travel costs, so I can continue to be with him and support his recovery through this journey

• Reducing financial stress, allowing Angel to focus fully on healing rather than worrying about money

Our goal is to raise £5,000, which would make an enormous difference during these early stages of recovery.

If you are able to donate, no matter how small, we would be deeply grateful. If you cannot donate, sharing this page and keeping Angel in your prayers means more than we can say.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for your kindness, and for supporting Angel during one of the hardest moments of our lives.

With love and gratitude,

Lily