Fundraiser hits target for new Northampton mum Monika who beat life-threatening disease during pregnancy

A new mum from Duston has said she is 'resuming back to normal life' after £2,050 has been raised for her to have private physiotherapy sessions.

The money, raised by 49 people, has meant the new mum who battled a life-threatening disease during pregnancy can now pick up her baby with confidence.

Monika said: "I did not expect that amount to be honest with you, it's fantastic. I've had two sessions already and next week I'm having two more. It's such a relief and I can already feel the benefits from the sessions.

"I'm more confident with holding my baby strongly now and I can take her from the pushchair to feed her, it's much better for our bond and day-to-day duties are easier for me."

"Because of all your donations the process of resuming back to my normal life will be possible very soon. Thank you all so much for your generous donations."

At 35 weeks pregnant Monika developed life-threatening Hellp Syndrome.

The rare liver and blood clotting disorder caused her to suffer a catastrophic stroke in April and she was rushed into brain surgery during the pandemic.

Eliana was delivered while Monika was under general anaesthetic just before her mum was put into a five-week induced coma.

After dad Greg returned home with his new daughter, without his wife, he then received the dreaded phone call to prepare himself for the worst.

After a ten week stint in hospital, Monika was reunited with her family again on June 26.

But the illness has caused the new mum to struggle with day-to-day tasks. She needed to hold her husband's hand to steady herself and she could not breastfeed.

Her neighbour, Jenny Restall, set up the Crowdfunding page to raise £2,000 for private physiotherapy sessions for Monika, which are not freely provided on the NHS.

The cause is close to Jenny's heart as her son, Harry who has cerebral palsy, has been having rehabilitation to teach him to walk again after his operation last year. She said: "I can't believe I did it!

"I am absolutely overwhelmed by everyone's compassion and generosity. I am so glad that I and the rest of Monika's missionaries have done a little something to help make Monika more independent again.

"It's lovely to see Monika going from strength to strength and I love to hear how she is progressing at Physio Function. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat."