My name is Ciara, I am 16 years old and I'm raising money for my sister, Emily. She's 23 and suffers from severe gastroparesis and dysmotility of the bowel. Gastroparesis is a chronic condition which prevents the stomach from emptying itself in a normal way. This means that food passes through the stomach slowly and painfully. Her problems are the result of long-term, chronic problem with her nerves and muscles, which have manifested itself first in the nerves and muscles controlling her stomach.

Over the years, this has caused immense physical and emotional pain. Since Emily was 17 she has been stuck at home, unable to live independently and enjoy what is supposed the be the best years of your life. She has been unable to go out and enjoy social situations with friends, as she cannot eat or drink without throwing up, which has lead to emotional isolation as well as constant pain. In and out of hospital constantly, Emily has suffered from multiple cardiac arrests, anorexia and many other challenges such as re-learning how to walk again, all as a result of her gastroparesis.

As I am approaching the age that she was when she became ill, I am gaining a much deeper understanding and appreciation of her struggles and as her sister, having watched her go through this, I now feel an obligation to do something to improve her quality of life. After having multiple discussions with my sister, and discussions with her doctor, she feels like a stoma would be the best option for her. It will allow her to socialise in a much better way, being able to spend the nights with her friends and relieve her of the daily pain. The NHS will not perform this operation as it is not deemed to be a curative treatment, and is therefore deemed "not necessary". However, we believe that a stoma would give her the independence she so desperately needs to improve all aspects of her life, and allow her to fulfil her life goals.