THE family and friends of a Tottington woman in need of specialist life-changing treatment are hosting a charity weightlifting event to raise funds for surgery.

It is part of a campaign which has had to be extended due to a change in circumstances.

Alison ‘Ali’ Turner, aged 32, has several physical disorders and a brain stem compression and is at risk of dislocating her neck, which could lead to paralysis, and artery and spinal compression — which in turn could lead to instant death.

The family is desperate to raise a further £30,000 — on top of £55,000 already raised — to pay for treatment in the US.

The initial fundraising target was for £55,000, which would have paid for surgery in Barcelona, but three weeks before the family were due to fly out with Miss Turner for the treatment,the Spanish doctor announced he was changing his methods.

Miss Turner’s boyfriend and childhood sweetheart, Nick Zabel, said: “It was a bit of a blow to say the least.

“People have been so generous and raised so much money and they were expecting us to fly out and have the treatment done.” Having taken expert advice, the family and Miss Turner decided to try and raise more funds to travel to the US to see a surgeon who is offering to treat her in a way more tailored to her conditions.

“It is a difficult situation but this is the best way forward,” added Mr Zabel.

Miss Turner, who worked with vulnerable children and families for Bolton Council, has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type 3, a connective tissue disorder affecting her musculo-skeletal system, her blood vessels and heart, her gut, brain and urinary systems.

She was then recently found to have cranio-cervical instability and atlanto-axial instability from her skull to the second vertebrae in her spine.

The charity weightlifting event will be held on Saturday at Fighting Fit gym in Millow Street, Manchester, from noon onwards. Hollyoaks star Jazmine Franks is one of the contestants taking part.