Hi, I’m Jo, and I’m setting this up to support my friend Natasha.

I initially began supporting Natasha in a coaching capacity, but she quickly became a friend and someone I care about. Natasha is autistic and has complex needs, she is also a full-time carer to her son, who also has additional needs and disabilities, including autism and CPVT, a life-threatening heart condition. Her son relies on her every single day for care, routine, and emotional safety.

Natasha suffered a very severe ankle injury recently and seeing how distressing the hospital environment is for and how badly they are failing to meet her needs, I want to help her get home as quickly and safely as possible.

Natasha has a heart of gold and is one of those rare people who is endlessly kind, giving, and selfless. She is always the one checking in on others, volunteering, caring, and showing up, even when she’s exhausted or struggling herself.

Despite all she gives, Natasha hates accepting help. Truly hates it. She would far rather struggle quietly than ask for anything. It’s taken a lot of persuasion, reassurance, and love to get her to allow me to create this fundraiser to help her. But right now, she really does need support, and it would mean so so much if people could help her.

What happened?

On the morning of her 40th birthday, around 8am, Natasha was on her way to volunteer at a community growing hub, when she slipped on ice and suffered a devastating injury.

Natasha sustained a left ankle trimalleolar fracture which is an extremely serious and unstable injury where all the bones around the ankle are broken (see CT scans). It is one of the most severe ankle injuries and can have a lasting impact on quality of life, even with surgery and rehabilitation.

She has already been through two major surgeries (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation – ORIF), involving plates, screws, and rods to rebuild and stabilise her ankle. Because of the severity and complexity of the injury, she had to wait for a specialist surgeon, and there is still the possibility that future further surgery may be needed.

This isn’t just a “broken ankle”. It’s a life-changing injury that requires a lot of support and a long recovery.

What does recovery look like?

• ️ Bed-bound for around 8 weeks

• Completely non-weight-bearing

• Unable to walk for a long time

• Lengthy physiotherapy for a minimum of 6 months

• ⚠️ Risk of complications, including blood clots, nerve or tendon damage, infection, or long-term chronic pain

Why I am asking for help for Natasha?

Right now, Natasha urgently needs a new single bed and mattress for downstairs in her home, alongside a wheelchair to help her move around safely and get out of the house – the hospital aren’t able to provide these things and the authorities have been nothing short of useless in supporting with this, so I am raising funds to purchase equipment to get her home and comfortable.

She will also need mobility aids, equipment to help her when home therefore any additional funds will be used for this.

Getting Natasha home as soon as possible and into a safe, familiar space where she can be with her son and begin her recovery properly is incredibly important for them both as a family.

Natasha’s recovery is likely to be long, complex, and unpredictable. Having the right support in place will make a huge difference to her comfort, safety, and ability to heal both physically and emotionally.

How can you help?

Natasha is the person who gives without question, who supports others quietly, and who never asks for anything back. Letting people help her has been incredibly hard but it’s also incredibly brave.

If you can donate, no matter how small, it would mean the absolute world to us. And if you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this page is just as powerful.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting Natasha with your kindness during one of the hardest chapters of her life. It is very much appreciated.

Jo x