Sophie's family launch fundraiser for urgent hip operation abroad

Sunday, 22 February 2026 21:00

By David Murphy

A local woman left housebound and in daily pain is facing further delays to a long awaited hip replacement, prompting her family to launch a public fundraiser to pay for private surgery overseas.

Laura Burke has set up an online appeal to help fund treatment for her relative Sophie, who she says has been severely debilitated since October and urgently needs a full hip replacement.

According to the appeal, Sophie’s joint has “completely disintegrated” and she is reliant on strong painkillers to manage significant daily pain. Her family say she has been largely confined to her home for the past five months and has had to close her business.

An operation had been scheduled for 24 February but was later cancelled. The fundraiser states that this followed an overspend within the NHS and the suspension of a senior commissioner, with operations of this type halted and no new date confirmed.

The appeal also claims there is a shortage of medical-grade cement required for joint surgery, which could cause further delays.

Laura Burke wrote that the family are challenging the decision with MPs and the Patient Advice and Liaison Service, but have been told Sophie is one of many affected.

She said Sophie currently has “no quality of life” and that the family cannot see her remain in this condition for another six to twelve months.

The fundraiser explains that private surgery in the UK is estimated to cost between £15,000 and £20,000. The family say they have identified a clinic in Lithuania able to carry out the procedure for around £8,000, including flights.

Laura Burke is asking friends, family and members of the public to contribute towards the cost of taking Sophie abroad for the operation.

Roch Valley Radio has approached the local NHS trust for comment regarding the reported cancellation and the claims made in the fundraiser.