Bethany Crighton

Hi everyone, my name is Beth and I've set up this gofundmeto help my best friend finally access the surgery he has waited seven years for. I'm writing this as someone who I care deeply about, I know he would never ask for help himself, but after watching everything he's been through, I feel he deserves every bit of support we can give him. Jamie is a transgender man who has spent the last seven years waiting for his first NHS Gender Identity Clinic appointment. Seven years is an unimaginable amount of time to wait for essential healthcare. Unable to put his life on hold any longer, he made the difficult decision to pay privately for testosterone. He's now been on testosterone for six years and has a shared care agreement with his GP and Waterside Clinic. His treatment is stable, he has two diagnoses of gender dysphoria, multiple supporting letters from healthcare professionals, and even a Gender Recognition Certificate. He's done everything that has been asked of him. The one thing he still can't access is top surgery. People often don't realise that top surgery isn't about changing how someone looks. It's about allowing someone to feel comfortable in their own body. I've seen how much this affects him every single day. Whether it's binding his chest, avoiding certain situations, or carrying the emotional weight of waiting year after year with no end in sight, it's heartbreaking to watch. No one should have to wait this long for healthcare. No one should feel forced to ask strangers for help because the system has left them waiting for years. But here we are. We're hoping to raise enough money to help him access private top surgery so he can finally move forward with his life. Every donation, no matter the size, will bring him one step closer to receiving the care he has already waited far too long for. I've known Jamie for over fifteen years and he has always been such a kind and selfless person. He cares deeply for others and is always keen to help when he can. I want to repay the kindness back to him. He has gained so much confidence in the last six years but still experiences dysphoria nearly every single day and still carries on. It would be beautiful to help him feel at home in his body. Just existing as a transgender person in this political climate today is truly terrifying, with trans rights being stripped back at an alarmingly fast rate. Access to gender-affirming and life saving care is becoming more restrictive and expensive with the NHS facing massive pressure. If you're not able to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser could make an enormous difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting someone who has shown incredible patience, resilience, and strength through an incredibly difficult journey. Any and every act of kindness means the world.