Link to “Standing with Sharon” GoFundMe page (more details here)

Many people in Derby know and love Sharon Sewell – considerably more benefitted from her tireless work.

Those of us who know her remember the great organiser, the leader, the woman who can light up a room, someone who can inspire people across the City to help and support some of the most vulnerable. To those who worked closely with her, she was “Superwoman Sharon” – a determined, and formidable person with an infectious smile and big-hearted laugh who did much good.

In January 2021 she was rushed into Glenfield Hospital with a life threatening tear in her aorta ( Aortic dissection). After many lifesaving procedures, 3 open heart surgeries, and tragic complications she now lives her life as a paraplegic. Sharon spent many months in Sheffield Spinal Cord Injuries Centre for intense rehabilitation and preparation for a new way of life.

A fundraising campaign in 21/22 provided sufficient funds to ensure that her home could be adapted to help her re-introduction to family life.

The shift change from being a very active woman is proving difficult for her. It is exacerbated by a constant stream of health issues and medical conditions, many requiring hospital visits.

Being in a seated position most of the time is not good for Sharon’s health; it has resulted in poor circulation, no relief from muscular pain associated with the paraplegia as well as the formation of very painful and invasive pressure ulcerations.

She needs to Stand Up… and it is possible.

For a very short period, Sharon had the opportunity to try a Stand Up wheel chair. It provided the right kind of relief and opportunity to rehabilitate, albeit temporarily.

Her friends, family, and colleagues became extremely concerned with Sharon’s deterioration – it was no time to Stand Back.

Sharon needs the Stand Up wheelchair – her medical team advise it, but it costs £30,000 and it is not available on the NHS.

Many people are coming together again to “Stand with Sharon” and raise the £30,000 as soon as possible – time is of the essence!

A GoFundMe page has been created and any donations or fundraisers would be greatly appreciated by the whole team…and especially Sharon. She’s given a lot to Derby and we all hope that this City’s generosity shines bright once again…and provides a light and big smile back on Sharon’s face!

Can you help please?

Link to “Standing with Sharon” GoFundMe page (more details here)