Poet Kristin Maguire is left in critical condition, needing life-saving spinal surgeries and ongoing stem cell therapy which is not funded by the NHS.

The 36-year-old who lives in Clayhall, Redbridge is published in numerous literary magazines, her debut collection 'Sketch A Day Poetry' and 'Poetry Press: This Was 2016' were released five years ago.

Ms Maguire was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at the age of 13, which is a debilitating rheumatic condition that causes pain all over the body.

Her skull, neck and spine are unstable in a number of areas, Ms Maguire’s head is compressing her brainstem, spinal cord, and jugular vein- responsible for automatic functions including heartbeat and breathing.

The poet also has Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome, a hole in the lumbar spine meaning that rather than cushion the spine, tissues from her spinal canal are tethered to the spinal cord itself.

These problems aren’t widely understood and medical responses are limited there are three Neurosurgeons in the world with the expertise to attempt the needed surgery.

Ms Maguire’s family have set up a fundraiser called CHRONIC to raise funds for spinal fusion and spinal cord surgery.

Thus far they have raised £62,089 and aim to raise £200,000.

With any improvement, Ms Maguire intends to play a role in significantly improving outcomes for others in a similar position, particularly in the wake of long Covid.

Kirstin’s family - Frances (mum), Rory (brother) and Clara (sister) said: “Anyone who knows Kirstin will tell you she’s a funny, caring person.

“Before she got too sick to leave the house, we had a standard joke that she would be late because she’d made friends with three people on the way home.

“It’s strange having to ask friends, family and strangers for help but needs must, and we really need it.”

For more information and to donate visit the CHRONIC: Help Kirstin get life saving surgeries go fund me page.