A man from Glasgow, Elliot Webster-Mockett, 34, who identifies as transgender, raised £2,000 through public donations to fund his top surgery in Turkey. Elliot, a British Sign Language interpreter trainee, had come out as trans in 2021 and sought the surgery to boost his self-confidence. With NHS waiting times of up to eight years and high private costs in the UK, Elliot found a more affordable option in Turkey, costing around £6,000, including travel and accommodation.
In December 2022, Elliot travelled to Turkey for the surgery but faced fatphobia from the anaesthetist and the Instagram agent who arranged the trip. Despite having a healthy weight for the procedure, the anaesthetist demanded additional scans costing £1,000. This unforeseen delay forced Elliot to return home without the surgery.
After this setback, Elliot is now determined to undergo the surgery in Madrid, Spain, in February 2025. He has set up a new fundraiser to cover the costs and has extensively researched the surgeon and facility to ensure a successful operation. Elliot felt disappointed after the failed surgery attempt in Turkey but has received overwhelming support from donors and loved ones.
Elliot’s journey towards top surgery began after he came out as transgender in 2021, following his spouse’s non-binary revelation in the same year. Faced with lengthy NHS waiting times and high private costs in the UK, Elliot turned to crowdfunding for his surgery abroad. Despite the initial setback in Turkey, Elliot remains optimistic about his upcoming surgery in Madrid.
Elliot’s experience highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking gender-affirming surgeries and the importance of accessing supportive and understanding medical professionals. His determination to undergo the surgery reflects the resilience of the trans community in navigating obstacles to realise their authentic selves.