A British tourist’s life has been irrevocably altered after a devastating medical episode during a hotel stay in Italy left her with life-changing injuries. Annie, 28, suffered a spontaneous spinal cord stroke while at a hotel in Florence in July 2022, resulting in paralysis from the waist down and ongoing health challenges.
The incident has impacted Annie’s confidence, career, relationships, and physical well-being, forcing her to adapt to a new reality with long-term consequences. Following three weeks at an Italian medical center, she spent two months at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London continuing her recovery. Now,Annie is fundraising to privately fund egg freezing,a future family option threatened by her accident.
Annie described the impact on her life, stating, “It’s impacted my confidence as a woman. It’s been very challenging for me to manage recovery alongside work, relationships, intimacy, keeping my fitness up. You just have to adapt constantly. I have to accept that what’s happening it’s going to be for the rest of my life.” Despite the challenges, she revisited the hospital in Florence the following year, expressing gratitude for the care she received. “It’s a really lovely place to go…and met everybody.”
She has established a GoFundMe to cover the costs of egg freezing. Those wishing to donate can do so through the provided link.
