‘OVERWHELMED’ is how a Bidford resident feels after Observer readers rallied around to help her battle a chronic illness.
Chloe Print-Lambert suffers from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome – a condition causing symptoms such as seizures, joint dislocation and breathing difficulties – and is trying to raise enough money to convert the garage in her family home into a disabled-friendly annex.
If the 20-year-old – whose story featured in the Observer last month – cannot afford the conversion she will have to leave the home she has lived in all her life.
Residents have offered their time, support and and donated money to help Chloe reach her dream of independence, but she is still far off the £10,000 needed.
The former Stratford Girls’ Grammar School pupil told the Observer: “It is because of the lack of care I have received professionally that the support I have received from the community surrounding me means so much more than people could ever know. It is the only hope I have of independence to some degree.
“It was only a couple of weeks ago that paramedics needed to get me to the ambulance urgently, but they couldn’t get the stretcher to me because the hallway is too narrow. Its hurdles like this that could be avoided, yet we still have to fight them every day.
“The support I have received from the community has been so incredibly overwhelming and humbling, that people have taken so much time and effort to support us as a family and dedicate their time, money and generosity to us.
“Without the build I dread to think about my future. As my health declines I know that the only hope I have of being able to stay with my family is if adaptions are made so it isn’t such an unsuitable space. It scares me that I have to put such a huge component of my life into the hands of others.
“But that fear is lessened that it is such a supportive community that I am reaching out to, that have already shown me that we are surrounded by individuals that will go the extra mile for a neighbour in need.”
To help Chloe raise the £5,500 needed to reach her target, Bidford Choir have arranged a concert where they will perform a number of hits by the likes of Queen and The Beatles.
The show on Saturday June 6 takes place at The Barn on Waterloo Road, starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £7.50 available by calling 01789 774719.
Visit www.gofundme.com/fundingchloe to donate.
