A MOTHER battling a devastating medical condition says she is ‘overwhelming grateful’ as a campaign to fund her lifesaving operation topped £100,000.

Jessica Kill, 38, has connective tissue disorder Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The project manager, who used to live in Redhouse and Cricklade, was then diagnosed with Craniocervical instability, a complication of EDS where the skull slowly crushes the neck, leading to pain and eventual paralysis.

To stop this happening, Jess needs complex neurosurgery called Posterior Fossa Decompression. However the specialist surgery is only available in the USA and Jess had just three months to find the £150,000 cost of the operation.

Well-wishers touched by the mum-of-two’s story have donated in their thousands with the campaign reaching an impressive £106,000 in just over two months.

With a combination of crowdfunding and fundraisers held by family and friends Jess is on course to reach the £150,000 target but must keep the momentum going.

“I am overwhelmed, it is climbing and climbing each day, getting over the £100,000 mark was a clear indication that we might actually be able to do this, it made me believe that we could,” said Jess.

“I don’t have the words, I don’t think there are enough words in the English dictionary to express how grateful I am to everyone that has donated.

“I just need to hope that it keeps going and that I can get over the line.”

The project manager, who has to wear a plastic neck brace to relieve the pressure on her neck said she hopes to get a date for her operation in coming weeks.

“I need to get this operation booked in as soon as possible, that is becoming clearer. My symptoms are getting worse,” she said.

“I can only take it a day at a time, I’m hoping to get a provisional date back and hope I will have the money before that date."

Her two sons Louis, 16 and eight-year-old Finlay motivate the mum to push through the pain.

“This is all for them so I can get that independence back,” Jess said.

“I also have the support of my friends and family, which keeps me going on a day to day basis.

“We have people climbing Scafell Pike, walking from Lands End to the New Forest. I am so touched that everyone has got involved for me, I couldn’t have imagined the help and support I have had.”

Jess’ childhood friends from Bradon Forest School, Sam Anderson and Emma Ponting, have organised a fundraising black tie gala dinner to be held at the Village Hotel, West Swindon on July 29.

Tickets are £40 per head or £35 when booking a table of 10. This includes a three course dinner, drinks on arrival, charity auction and live band. To buy a ticket email teamjessevent@gmail.com

To donate to Jess’ operation go to https://www.youcaring.com/jessica-kill-559740#.Vx-5LR0ROUV.facebook