I've never been able to pick up my own children due to unsteadyness. I've been pushed to the ground, accused of being drunk. I've been told I'm an embarrassment because I look like I'm drunk when I walk. All due to my disability.
I'm Abi and I'm 34 years old.
As a child I was active. Always playing on my bike, running, jumping, I could do anything.
At the age of 14 some of my friends would suggest that they saw me limping, I'd often be falling over .But we never thought anything of it.
At the age of 18 it became much worse. I would be often losing my balance and falling over, often being accused of being drunk.
Time passed and my condition got worse. Doctors suggested I looked like I had MS or had had a stroke but tests for both were negative.
At 27 through the help of my neurologist and the research at Sheffield university I was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. Due to a gene mutation my body can't get rid of harmful waste products from cholesterol which over time has caused damage to nerve conductors in my brain and spinal chord causing a lower limbs disability.
At 34 I am lucky enough to have had 2 beautiful girls Angel and Penny and manage a maths department in a local secondary school, helping young people learn to love maths.
Unfortunately however my condition is getting worse, to the point where walking unaided is starting to become unsafe and impossible for me.
I thank God every day for the things I can do but am determined to fight this disease in every way I can. It breaks my heart that I have never been able to pick up my children or to see my 7 year old upset when someone asks "what's wrong with your mum?"
I have discovered a company that have said they may be able to improve my condition through stem cell treatment and intense physio therapy. This would be done privately hence the fundraising.
I ask for your help. Please help to get me this treatment so that I can hope for a better quality of life.
This treatment could change my life
Thank you