Ashley Vickers, a 42-year-old father of three from Sheldon, Birmingham, has spent the last decade battling gastroparesis—a rare and debilitating stomach condition that has forced him to rely on a feeding tube for sustenance. Alongside diabetes, Ashley endures constant nausea and vomiting, which dramatically affect his quality of life.
Determined to give Ashley a chance at normalcy, his family has launched a crowdfunder to finance a specialist surgery costing £20,000, unavailable through the NHS. This operation could offer Ashley the ability to eat normally again and significantly alleviate his symptoms.
His sister, Carly Ward, shares the family’s deep desire for Ashley to be able to enjoy simple moments like eating a meal with his children—Jaden, Aaliyah, and Aayan—without being overshadowed by sickness and exhaustion. Two of Ashley’s children have severe learning disabilities and depend heavily on his care and support.
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“It breaks my heart to see Ashley suffer daily,” Carly says. “This surgery isn’t just about relieving his pain—it’s about giving him back his independence and the simple joys of family life.”
Gastroparesis slows the stomach’s ability to empty food into the intestine despite no physical blockage, causing chronic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and severe fatigue. After living with this condition for ten years, Ashley’s only option to regain a normal life is this privately funded surgery.
The family emphasizes that every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward funding the operation. Their hope is that with community support, Ashley will soon have the chance to reclaim his health and create many more cherished memories with his children.