THE family of a woman suffering several critical illnesses has set up a GoFundMe page to raise £55,000 for life-saving treatment in Spain.

Alison Turner has been plagued by illness from a young age and endured seven years of invasive tests.

She was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type 3, a connective tissue disorder affecting her musculo-skeletal system, her blood vessels and heart, her gut, brain and urinary systems.

Soon after, the 32-year-old, from Tottington, who worked with vulnerable children and families for Bolton Council, was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

The debilitating and life-changing condition brings severe nausea, palpitations, insomnia and tremors.

Things have worsened in recent months when she was found to have cranio-cervical instability and atlanto-axial instability from her skull to the second vertebrae in her spine.

She also has a brain stem compression and is at risk of dislocating her neck, which could lead to paralysis, and artery and spinal compression — which could lead to instant death.

The family now faces the prospect of having to raise £55,000 for life saving surgery. Money donated will go towards the cost of the operation and any aftercare required.

Ali’s boyfriend, Nick Zabel, 32, said during the past 18 months Ali has been a shadow of her former self due to the symptoms.

Nick who is Ali’s teenage sweetheart after they met at Tottington High School, said: “Every day is a battle for survival.

"Ali is a much-loved daughter, doting sister, friend to many and the perfect girlfriend and the strongest person I have ever met.

"This once proud and bubbly girl has become a prisoner in her own home.

"Ali has had to leave the job she cherished and she is currently unable to do the things she once loved and the things that made her Ali.

"Horrendous headaches, facial pain and fatigue has left her, at times, bed-bound for days, while stroke-like symptoms and muscle wastage means that she is too weak to perform the simplest of daily tasks.”

Alison requires urgent lifesaving surgery which will fuse her skull to her spine.

Due to the complexities of Ehlers Danlos, this surgery holds some risks.

Currently the NHS does not offer this surgery to Ehlers Danlos sufferers, so she has sought advice from leading neurosurgeons overseas.

She hopes to undergo the major surgery under the care of Dr Gilete at a hospital in Barcelona.

Because of her condition Ali is unable to start a family which “breaks her heart on a daily basis”, Nick said, adding it was devastating for the family to witness Ali’s rapid decline.

He added: “Despite Alison’s plight, her goal is not only to raise money but awareness of Ehlers Danlos and its associated conditions.

“We would be eternally grateful for donations or fundraising events you could host to enable Ali to get some quality of life back.”

To donate, click here