Why am I fundraising? I've been told I'll lose my sight

Last year, along with an unstable heart condition, I was diagnosed with a cataract, in my right eye. I was advised this was quite normal for people in their 50's and that there was no urgency to address it.

Fast forward to January 2025 during a routine checkup the optician noted a second cataract in my left eye. Having had some issue's with my vision since then, a re-exam in July this year showed the cataracts have rapidly deteriorated with the optician giving me, approximately 12 month's before I lose my vision.

In my current situation, homeless, with no family to help, this would be catastrophic, as it would leave me, literally isolated in every sense of the meaning.

The waiting list for surgery in Wales, is set at 4yrs!!

I haven't got 4yrs to wait in my circumstance because without vision, I'll lose my car.

About me

As you can see from my profile picture, taken in happier times. That's Merlot, one of my three beloved dogs.

For the past few years, we have been the victims of a deeply personal campaign of hate and domestic violence. As a direct result of the abuse, I lost my house, my career and it has taken an enormous toil on both my physical and mental health.

The only source of guaranteed shelter for me and my dogs, as mentioned above is my car. Just the thought of losing my sight and trying to live and keep both me and the dogs safe against further abuse, will be impossible if I lose my sight.

With no family and a need to travel an hour in order to attend medical apts, get supplies, veterinary treatment for my dogs. Saving my sight, so I can drive is essential.

In my current homeless status, with no family to help, this would be catastrophic, as it would leave me, literally isolated and with no shelter, for me or the dogs. in every sense of the meaning.

The waiting times for cataract surgery in Wales is 4yrs!!!

The stress of this diagnosis is causing my already delicate mental health and anxiety levels to rise and so making my heart condition worse.

My greatest fear, if I lose my vision would be losing my beloved dogs who have been with me throughout this whole period and been my only source of unconditional support.

To save my sight & keep my little family together my only chance is to go private.

The optician has estimated the cost (based on my current presentation stc) at approx. £6,000 for both eye's. The waiting time for private surgery 6 weeks.

With the clock ticking against my vision, I'm appealing for donations, to my goal.

If you can donate that would be wonderful and you will be helping towards saving my sight & keeping my little furry family together and safe.

If you're not in a position to donate then l'd be eternally grateful if you could share this fundraiser.

Thanks for getting this far

Jose, Merlot the malamute, Ziva & Marley xx