A 25-year-old mother from Whitton is desperately fundraising for life-changing surgery after being diagnosed with a rare and debilitating condition known as Craniocervical Instability (CCI) and Atlantoaxial Instability. 

CCI and Atlantoaxial Instability occur when the ligaments supporting the skull and upper spine become too weak to hold them in place. 

This instability can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including dizziness, coordination problems, pain, and difficulty speaking. 

In Maisie's case, her skull is shifting due to ligament damage, putting pressure on her spine and brainstem.  

The mother told Twickenham Nub News: "I've been to doctors numerous times and because my condition is to the ligaments, it's very hard to see in ordinary scans in the NHS.  

"So you have to have these special scans I have done in Spain...Basically my skull is not sitting on anything really. 

"It's like sliding over my spine because the ligaments have gone through that injury." 

Maisie, who lives with her partner, young daughter, and mother, first began experiencing symptoms following a neck injury in 2021. 

Due to her condition Maisie cannot care for her daughter (credit: Image supplied).

Initially dismissed by doctors, her condition has since deteriorated to the point where she is now bedridden and unable to care for her child.  

Her family, devastated by her deterioration, began researching and eventually found a specialist in Barcelona, where she was officially diagnosed with CCI. 

Doctors informed her that surgery is the only option to prevent further decline. 

The total costs of travelling to Teknon Hospital in Barcelona, where the surgery will be performed, is £57,000.

The surgery Maisie requires will involve fusing parts of her skull and spine to prevent further instability. 

While the procedure comes with challenges, it is her only chance at reclaiming her life. 

"Sadly, I will lose 50% of the mobility in my neck, so I'll never be able to look around the same," Maisie shared. 

"If you can imagine standing still and turning your head, I won't be able to do that anymore. I'll only be able to look side to side, and if I want to move my neck, I'll have to turn my whole body." 

Despite the limitations, Maisie sees the surgery as a necessity. 

She explained: "At the end of the day, it's my life. I'd rather have the surgery than continue living like this." 

Maisie's condition has had a profound impact on her family. 

Her partner has been forced to stop working to care for her and their daughter, placing them under financial strain. 

"Because I'm so sick, my partner can't work. She has to look after me and our daughter," Maisie admitted. "It's very hard." 

The condition has left Maisie bedridden (credit: Image supplied).

Maisie also reflected on the toll this has taken on her loved ones. 

She added: "We don't have the money for the surgery, and even with bank loans, we wouldn't be accepted."  

Before her illness, Maisie worked as a dog and cat groomer – a job she loved. 

Now, her condition has stripped her of her independence and the ability to do the things she once enjoyed. 

"I miss my work. I can't do anything. I just go from my bed to the toilet," she continued. 

"I don't eat much, I'm losing weight, and I'm obviously stressed out. It's changed my life dramatically. I used to walk my dogs, and now I can't even do that. I miss it."  

Maisie's family is now urgently raising funds to cover the costs of her surgery in Spain. 

Without it, her condition will continue to deteriorate, leaving her unable to care for her daughter or live a normal life. 

"We've tried everything," Maisie said. "But it all comes down to money, and we just don't have it." 

Those wishing to support Maisie's fundraiser can find more information and donate via her GoFundMe page.

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