Help Avena Recover from Finger Injury After Knee Surgery

Hi, my name is Avena. I’m a mother, chef, and food entrepreneur in East London. In 2023, I had a major knee replacement surgery, and I’ve been trying to get back on my feet ever since.

Although I handed my food shop over to my son, I continued supporting part-time — doing what I love: cooking and serving the community. But in December 2024, I suffered a serious infection in my right hand from a gel nail, which has left me unable to work and in constant pain.

Doctors say I urgently need plastic surgery on my finger, or I risk long-term damage and loss of function.

Since my injury, I’ve had no income, and my situation has become urgent. I now owe:

• Over £8,000 in electricity bills

• Several months of unpaid rent

• And I still need to pay for the plastic surgery I can’t afford

After recovering from knee surgery, this new setback has broken me emotionally and financially. I’ve always worked hard, served others, and built everything I had from scratch. Now, I’m asking for help to recover and survive this difficult time.