A mum from Plymouth facing serious health struggles has seen her life turned “upside down”. After battling breast cancer at just 41 and coming through the other side, the relief was heartbreakingly short-lived as soon after being given the all clear she developed severe liver issues.
Now, Hayley Grantham, 43, is in Treliske hospital where she is awaiting a review for a liver transplant (which will take place in Kings Hospital in London). She hopes that a review will enable her to be put on a waiting list for a donor liver – that could save her life.
Hayley is from Plymouth but moved to Cornwall eight years ago. She is a social worker, however due to her ongoing health issues she has not been able to work and no longer has a salary coming in. Hayley’s sister, Kirsty Matlock has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to support Hayley, who has “dedicated her life to others” as she fights through this difficult time.
Kirsty describes the impact on Hayley’s life: “My sister’s life has been turned upside down by her health struggles. Once an active, vibrant person who worked tirelessly in the social sector supporting children, she is now unable to engage in any physical activity and lives in constant, chronic pain. Her frequent hospital stays and mounting complications have made even the simplest aspects of daily life a struggle.
“Despite her unwavering determination and courage, her prognosis remains uncertain. At just 43 years old, she has been forced to confront the reality of a much shorter life expectancy while coping with the devastating physical, emotional, and financial toll of her illnesses.”
In early 2024, Hayley was told she needed a liver transplant, but the earliest she could go onto any waiting list was September 2024 – as she had to have been given the all clear from cancer for two years.
The family were told It was unlikely she was going to survive until September 2024, due to the extent of her liver failure. However, Hayley did make improvement when she came off some medication and her liver started to regenerate and her overall health did make improvements.
But since September (2024) Hayley has had several other diagnoses and her liver has gone into failure again so she has been told she will need a liver transplant. She is also likely to need a colostomy bag due to the severe colitis that has developed.
Hayley – who is currently in hospital – explained that she will “be reviewed” soon and then hopefully join the transplant waiting list. The 43-year-old will then have to “wait for a suitable liver” that matches her “age and blood type” along with other specifics.
Kirsty explained why she set up a GoFundMe for her sister: “Although she has worked hard her entire life, her ability to work has been severely impacted. She will no longer receive a salary, leaving her unable to cover essential costs, including mortgage payments, travel expenses – to King’s Hospital in London for appointments and treatments. Along with daily living costs and other necessities.
“Our family is doing everything we can to support her, but the financial burden is overwhelming. We’re reaching out to ask for your help in easing her financial strain so she can focus on her health and quality of life.”
You can donate to Kirsty’s GoFundMe for her sister Hayley here