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

Alison Turner, or Ali as she is affectionately known, has been plagued by illness from a young age, with gastrointestinal issues along with many joint dislocations.

After enduring seven years of invasive tests with no firm answers, in August 2015 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, itself a debilitating and life-changing condition which brings severe nausea, palpitations, insomnia and tremors.

Things have worsened in recent months when Ali 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.

Ali requires urgent lifesaving surgery which will fuse her skull to her spine. Due to the complexities of Ehlers Danlos, this surgery holds some daunting risks but it is essential.

Currently the UK do not offer this surgery to patients with Ehlers Danlos, therefore Ali has had to seek advice from leading neurosurgeons overseas, who perform these operations for people with this rare condition.

Ali is hoping to undergo this major surgery under the care of Dr Gilete at a hospital in Barcelona.

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

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

Nick, also 32 and who is Ali’s teenage sweetheart from their days 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.

“And stroke-like symptoms and muscle wastage means that she is too weak to perform the simplest of daily tasks.”

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.

Nick said: “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 read Ali’s full story and to donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/alis-fight-for-fusion-2v74ru4