A 28-year-old woman from Kingston is appealing to the local community for support after her life changed suddenly due to serious neurological illness.

After becoming unwell unexpectedly, Joanna now lives with ongoing pain and mobility difficulties that have significantly affected her independence and day-to-day life.

She is currently undergoing rehabilitation and requires a specialist wheelchair to support her recovery and allow her to safely get out and about.

Due to delays with sick pay, insurance, and benefits, Joanna is unable to fund this essential equipment herself. Thus, he has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of a suitable wheelchair and ongoing rehabilitation.

"Any support, whether through donations or simply sharing my story, would mean the world to me," Joanna said.

Joanna hopes that with the right equipment and continued rehab, she can regain independence and improve her quality of life.

Sharing her story, Joanna said: "I never imagined I'd be writing this, but I'm asking for help to fund a wheelchair that I urgently need for rehabilitation and day-to-day mobility.

"In late August, my life changed suddenly and completely. I woke up one morning unable to walk — despite being absolutely fine just days earlier. I had just returned from holiday, living an active, full life and doing things I loved. Overnight, that life disappeared.

"I spent over three months in hospital, including time in intensive care, where I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Although I have made progress, I continue to live with ongoing neurological conditions including small fibre neuropathy and functional neurological disorder (FND), which significantly affect my mobility, strength, and independence.

"I also experience daily, ongoing pain, which significantly impacts my day-to-day life.

"This has been the most frightening and isolating period of my life. I went from being fully independent to relying on family and carers for basic daily activities. Simple things like attending appointments or moving around safely are no longer possible without the right support."

She added: "I am now undergoing ongoing rehabilitation and attending frequent hospital appointments.

"However, I don't currently have access to a wheelchair that properly meets my needs. NHS wheelchair provision is delayed, and the standard options available aren't suitable for my condition or rehabilitation goals.

"The wheelchair I've been recommended is a 3-in-1 mobility aid, designed to support me through different stages of recovery and adapt as my mobility changes. The wheelchair costs £3,600, and I also require essential accessories to ensure it can be used safely and comfortably during rehabilitation.

"This fundraiser is primarily to cover the cost of a suitable wheelchair, which is essential for me to attend rehabilitation and medical appointments safely.

"If funds allow, they will also go towards essential recovery and mobility aids that support my rehabilitation and help me relearn how to walk safely, as recommended as part of my ongoing recovery."

Having access to this wheelchair and recovery aids would allow Joanna to:

• Attend rehabilitation and medical appointments safely

• Reduce reliance on family and carers

• Be more independent

• Continue her recovery with dignity and less physical strain

Joanna said: "Any contribution, no matter how small, would make a genuine difference. If you're unable to donate, sharing this would mean just as much.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any support you're able to give — it truly means more than I can say. I just want my life back."

Tou can donate to Joanna's GoFundMe page here.