Kayele Sheppard was airlifted to hospital when a large blood clot broke away from her heart.
She subsequently suffered a major bleed on her brain and required further life-saving surgery.
Kayele was airlifted to hospital where a life-saving emergency thrombectomy was carried out (Image: Submitted)
Speaking on behalf of Kayele’s family, Siobhan Rooke said: “Miraculously, she pulled through but, because Kayele has mechanical heart valves, she requires essential blood-thinning medication.
“When this was reintroduced seven days later, she suffered another devastating brain haemorrhage, requiring further emergency neurosurgery.
“Kayele remained in a medically induced coma with doctors making several attempts to wake her, and her family faced weeks of uncertainty, not knowing whether she would ever regain consciousness.”
Further complications required added medical intervention and a weeks-long medically induced coma (Image: Submitted)
‘Against all odds’, Kayele survived but has been left with ‘severe neurological injuries and significant physical disabilities’.
With a long road to recovery and only 12 weeks of inpatient NHS rehabilitation, money is being raised to help towards specialist rehabilitation, ongoing care and adaptations to her home.
Over £40,000 has been raised at the time of writing but a goal of £150,000 still stands, which can be contributed towards here.
Kayele has been able to beat the survival odds but still needs extensive support on her road to recovery (Image: Submitted)
Siobhan added: “For someone with injuries as extensive as hers, recovery could take years, and access to continued specialist rehabilitation could make an enormous difference to her future independence and quality of life.
“As Kayele’s friends and family, we refuse to give up on giving her the best possible chance of recovery.
“She had her whole future ahead of her before this unimaginable tragedy and she has already fought through multiple life-threatening complications – her strength and determination to survive have been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Residents have already been showing their support for the appeal with local gym owner Kade Kendall organising fundraising activities.
AC Coaching are also holding a special charity fitness class on November 8 which will be held at Kade’s TransformationUnit 247 for free, allowing as many people as possible to take part.
“We are also reaching out to local businesses and organisations for donations, raffle prizes and sponsorship to help us reach our fundraising goals,” Siobhan said.
“We hope that by raising awareness, we can encourage local residents, businesses and organisations to come together and help fund the specialist care and rehabilitation she so desperately needs.”