Woman with rare condition needs £25k for surgery

NORTHUMBERLAND woman who is living with a rare condition is hoping to raise £25,000 for surgery, or her hopes of becoming a teacher may be dashed.

- DAVID HUNTLEY Reporter

Melanie Hartshorn spent much of her life lying down due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which causes her skull to dislocate from her neck and spine.

In 2023, Melanie, 35, underwent major surgery in Barcelona, Spain, to save her life after a huge fundraising effort saw £100,000 donated.

A year later, Melanie was learning to stand and walk, while volunteering at a primary school in Newcastle.

Melanie continues to live her life to the fullest and was hoping to start her teacher training in September.