A MUM struck down with a rare disorder that left her bedridden thanked fundraisers yesterday as donations continue to pour in to give her ground-breaking treatment in the US.
Lindsay Clarke, 33, has Stiff Person Syndrome, a neurological disorder which affects just one person in a million.
The former dancer from Talywain can no longer breathe without the help of an oxygen mask, as her muscles contract and her body stiffens.
But an army of volunteers have organised a host of activities to allow her to get a stem cell transplant in America.
A tenth of the £300,000 fundraising target has so far been reached.
Other people who have received the treatment were able to walk again, drive and lead normal lives.
The mum-of-three said: “It gives me hope I can get my life back and also for my children instead of fearing how much life I have got left.
“The whole community has really been unbelievable.
“I try to tell them. There aren’t enough words.
“How do you thank people for doing something so beautiful to try and give you your life back?”
This month, nine-year-old pupil Zak Roynon-Griffiths collected more than £400 for her by staging a two-hour drumathon at his home in Abersychan.
At the weekend, dog owners took part in a poignant walk with their pets to collect cash for her and others raised more funds at Pontypool Carnival. Her brother-in-law, Paul Charles, was among those who took part in the Mic Morris 10k on the weekend, wearing a special SPS logo T-shirt. His wife, and Lindsay’s sister, Lisa, said it was all about raising awareness.
The fundraising team is now calling on her backers to take pictures of themselves and post them on their Facebook accounts with £3 donations to the cause.
A similar “selfie” fundraiser for breast cancer attracted more than 260,000 likes and raised tens of thousands of pounds.
Lindsay’s partner Jason, 35, said: “I am absolutely blown away by the help and support, even from small children.”
The selfie fundraiser is organised by her fundraising team known as One in a Million. To donate, see gofundme.com/838nac
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