Mum and dad have made a heartbreaking appeal for help after their three-year-old daughter Clara was diagnosed with a tumour on her spine, leaving her paralysed. Clara is currently receiving treatment at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where she underwent life-saving surgery and is now undergoing chemotherapy. Sadly, Clara may lose the ability to walk or use her arms due to the effects of the tumour.
Clara’s parents, Alana and Matt Gilley, have been by her side every day since she was hospitalised over five months ago. They describe her as a brave and feisty little girl who loves bunnies and princesses. Clara has shown incredible resilience throughout her medical procedures, including surgeries and tracheostomy.
The family faces the challenge of finding a new home that is fully adapted to Clara’s needs, as their current home is unsuitable and cannot be adequately modified. With the high cost of a suitable property, Matt, who is self-employed and unable to work due to Clara’s illness, explained that they require financial assistance beyond what they can afford.
To address the financial burden of securing a suitable home for Clara, Alana and Matt have launched a Crowdfunder appeal aiming to raise at least £100,000. They highlighted the need for extensive adaptations in the new home, such as a wet room, a lift, ramps, and space for medical equipment to ensure Clara’s comfort and mobility.
Clara’s treatment journey has been filled with challenges, including infections and the risk of losing the use of her diaphragm, potentially requiring full-time ventilator support. Her parents expressed their gratitude for the support received from family, friends, and the community during this difficult time.
The road ahead for Clara involves radiotherapy to target any remaining cancerous cells. Her parents remain hopeful for Clara’s recovery and are dedicated to providing her with the best care and environment possible. They emphasized the urgency of securing a suitable home for Clara’s discharge from the hospital in order to give her the opportunity for a fulfilling life.