My 7 year old daughter, Georgia, would like to raise funds for her Auntie Bec (my sister) who suffers from a chronic condition called Gastroparesis. Bec is the world to both my girls and in return she gives them the world as much as she can. Georgia has very long hair (30cm) at the moment and she would like people to sponsor her to have it chopped it off to just above her shoulders. She wants to grow it longer still and plans to have it chopped off in October half term! Once she's had it chopped off she will donate it to a charity.

When we asked Georgia why she wanted to do this she simply said 'Because I love Auntie Bec and how kind she is, so I want to do something kind for her. We are so proud that our thoughtful 7 year old daughter wants to do this for her Auntie Bec.

Background Information:

My sister Bec started to show signs of gastroparesis in primary school, but because it is so rare it went undiagnosed for nearly 10 years. As Bec’s condition went undiagnosed and untreated, it worsened.

Gatroparesis is an ‘invisible illness’, it is a chronic condition which paralyses your stomach meaning that eating and drinking is no longer something you have the privilege of. Only 1.5% of the world’s population suffer from Gastroparesis.

Bec has undergone many attempts at relieving her symptoms and trialled different pain managements and treatments.

She has undergone botox into her stomach, had 2 gastric neurotransmitter pace makers fitted, nasal gastric feeding tube, nasal jejunal feeding tube, jenjunostomy feeding tube and most recently started parental nutrition.

When Bec had her temporary gastric neurotransmitter pace maker fitted (to see if it would work making her eligible for a permanent one), she was actually able to consume so food! (YAY!), but by the time came for her permeant pace maker her condition had worsened which meant that not even 2 of the pace makers would stimulate her stomach.

Bec is often is admitted to hospital with severe infections which is usually caused by infections at the sites of her feeding tubes, this results in extreme weight loss and is usually followed up with a painful and invasive procedure or operation to refit her feeding tubes.

Alongside gastroparesis Becki suffers from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, and more. Becki’s life consists largely of doctor’s and nurse appointments. The pain alone causes each day to be a struggle, not to mention her nausea and black outs! 😞

Bec's two best friends are also raising money for her and have their own justgiving page and everything raised here will go towards their final total.

We are hoping the money raised will give Bec more independence through the purchase of mobility aid equipment and the chance to say 'yes' to doing more and being able to go and carry out some of her life wishes.