Hello! My name is Rou, I'm a non binary tattooist from wales. I've always felt separate from society's gender binary, but it wasn't until my late 20s that I truly understood where I fit in the world. Now in my mid 30s, I finally understand my need for top surgery - even before I was identifying as non gendered, my chest gave me a lot of anxiety and made me really uncomfortable from the age of 12. I understood my body was going to change, but as soon as my chest started changing I've been thinking of ways to stop it or change it. Before I even knew what top surgery was I was looking into surgery to make my chest smaller.

With your help, I'd love to be able to feel at home in my body. My chest brings me great dysphoria, and after getting a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and a surgery referral, I'm now working towards surgery with whatever means I can. I've set this fundraiser up because my wonderful clients, colleagues, friends and family want to help me finally feel at home in my body.

I've decided to stay in the uk for my surgery, and with the lengthy NHS waiting times, I kindly ask for your help raising funds to cover the treatment and associated costs

Surgery - £9,800-£11,995 (cost varies by surgeon) - I've changed my mind about going to Madrid and would prefer to stay closer to home. Options in Kent and Plymouth are looking really good, and while I'm willing to spend a bit more for that convenience, I'm still working hard to cover as much of this myself as possible.

Recovery time - with being self employed and needing at least 6 weeks off to recover, I won't be able to work during that time. Your support will help cover both the surgery and these crucial recovery months where I need to focus on healing without financial worry. Every penny counts.

I cannot thank my wonderful family and friends for their support and alliance during these trying times, I am proud to take up space on this earth - and I cannot wait to feel like I am in a body that looks on the outside how I feel on the inside. This is something I didn't even know was possible but it is something I can't help but wish for, search for, need to stand up tall in public so my back doesn't kill all the time, so I can feel more human, so I can wear clothes without needing to hide what I don't feel is meant to be on my body.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your help!