Emma Dolan-Horlock, from Sefton Park, prompted a huge response from supporters all over the world, receiving more than 1,000 donations ranging from £2 to £1,000 hit Emma’s target of £30,000+ for rehabilitation therapy and a stretcher in one week.
The 46-year-old has chronicled her journey in a blog #diaryofahorizontalgirl via her Twitter page @JustMissEmma. She says her followers have helped keep her going, especially during lockdown when restrictions have meant that visitors have been seriously limited.
Emma took the difficult decision to start fund-raising after being told that much-needed residential rehabilitation she was due to receive in 2020, which was cancelled due to COVID-19, would now be postponed for a further 14-18 months.
She knew that to have any meaningful chance of being positively rehabilitated, her body could not wait another year to begin repairing the damage already caused by her complex medical conditions.
Donations will allow her to pay for private therapy with an eminent specialist in London, which will give her the best chance of stopping any further deterioration before she is eligible for the delayed residential therapy.
Emma said “I am literally blown away by people’s kindness, support and generosity. I am a very proud person and taking the decision to launch a Just Giving Page was a painful one and a bitter pill to swallow, but I know that if I wait for 14-18 months my body will be too sick to stand any chance of having any form of meaningful rehabilitation. Spending days lying flat on your back, especially with COVID lockdown restrictions in place and visitors not allowed I have built up quite a rapport with the followers on my Twitter account, many of whom have become friends and supporters and have often suggested that I set up a Just Giving page. When I launched my appeal out of frustrations and desperation I genuinely had no idea it would receive the response it did. I am humbled at people’s kindness and literally cried with joy for 24 hours when we hit the target.”
When Emma was bitten by a ‘Tick’ in America over 10 years ago, little did she realise the devastating impact this would have on her life. The seemingly inconsequential bite left her bed-ridden, suffering with Lyme Disease, Addisons Disease and a host of associated medical conditions, leaving her bed-bound, unable to sit or stand, or access the rehabilitation she needs to aid recovery and help her live a normal life. She now spends every day lying flat on her back longing to enjoy the simple pleasures most people take for granted. Her only trips out of the house during the past six years have been to hospitals.
Emma, who lives just yards from Sefton Park, has spent the last six years dreaming of the day when she can visit the park and enjoy the expanse of green space on her doorstep. As well as funding rehabilitation treatment she is also planning to buy a stretcher which will allow her to enjoy the outdoors. Emma’s Just giving page high-lighted her dream to be able to visit the park again one day with #getemmatothepark trending.
Emma continued: “These donations not only given me a fighting chance of stopping further damage to my body and successful rehabilitation, but it means I will be able to be wheeled outdoors and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like fresh air, birdsong and sunshine.
“There are not enough words for me to thank everyone enough for the hope they have given me for the future. I am absolutely determined to make every penny count as I know how difficult it has been for some people to contribute in the current climate. I am just so very grateful to everyone for the love and support they have shown me.”
If you would like to read Emma’s story so far or add to Emma’s Just Giving page please see the following link
For further information please contact Carolyn Hughes – carolyn@carolynhughes.com
