On the 23rd December 2018 I woke up with a sudden headache and severe weakness to my left side whilst holidaying in Devon with my family. After lots of scans at Exeter hospital we were told I had suffered a large stroke (bleed to the brain) caused by an underlying tumour. I was immediately transferred to Plymouth Derriford hospital to the specialist Neurosurgery Centre (Moorgate Ward). Unfortunately the bleed continued to worsen so I underwent urgent 5 hour Neurosurgery on the 28th December by the amazing Mr Palmer to remove the tumour and drain the blood. The surgery was a success and my function has improved very quickly since thanks to the wonderful multi-disciplinary team on Moorgate Ward.

To show my appreciation to the ward I would like to fundraise for a second standing aid (Arjo Sara Stedy) https://www.arjo.com/int/products/patient-transfer-solutions/standing-and-raising-aid/sara-stedy-fb995497/

This is the piece of equipment that got me back on my feet and the ward currently only have one for 34 patients - we were constantly fighting over it! If I succeed my target of £2,000 I would like to donate the remainder of the money to the ward so they can purchase any other equipment they need.

Tests on the removed tumour have revealed it is a grade 4 giant cell Glioblastoma - a fast growing aggressive tumour that has a very high chance of returning. For now the focus is to return home (planned for Sunday 6th January 2019) to continue rehab with community therapists and my elder sister who has moved home from New Zealand and is luckily enough a Neuro physiotherapist, what are the chances! In 4-6 weeks time I will begin daily radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the tumour growing back.

Thank you in advance for any kind donations, every little helps!

Ria x