HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised for a Wilton mum whose treatment was denied by the NHS.

As reported by the Journal last week, 45-year-old Dawn Conrad had hope snatched away when the NHS refused to fund a “miracle” treatment for the rare autoimmune disease that has dramatically changed her life.

Now fellow Salisbury mum Samantha Keel has started a fundraising campaign to help Dawn, her husband, Simon and their nine-year-old son, Daniel.

Samantha met Dawn before she fell ill, when their children went to nursery together.

“They are such a lovely family, always so grateful no matter how big or small the help given, and the treatment was making life for them all so much better,” she said.

“Dawn was able to be at home not in hospital, she could be out of bed and now and again get out and about in her power chair.

“There is literally no logic to the NHS not funding the treatment as it clearly helped Dawn’s condition and in the long run it’s going to cost less.

“Every little bit raised would help make life more comfortable for her and instead of me having to send her photos and videos of Daniel at school events, maybe she could be well enough to watch herself.”

Almost £700 has been raised to support the Conrad family so far.

Dawn previously worked as a senior director for the NHS, before becoming severely unwell almost overnight. Now she frequently cannot sit up in bed, eat or speak, despite taking more than 50 tablets and three injections each day.

She underwent a three-month trial of treatment known as intravenous immunoglobin (IVig) which almost reversed her symptoms, but she was later told funding could not be obtained.

The family believe it is “entirely nonsensical” for the NHS not to pay. Taking into account Dawn’s prescriptions, personal health budget, personal independence payments and inpatient costs, the NHS currently spends about £70,000 each year to keep Dawn alive, estimated to cost £1.9million over the course of her lifetime if her condition does not worsen.

But a lifetime of IVig would cost £256,000 - a saving of £1.6million to the NHS.

Another friend, Clare Gane has set up a petition to John Glen and the Health Minister to obtain more funding.

Dawn and Simon said: “The donations to the fundraiser and the messages of support we have had from family, friends, and even strangers we do not know, from all around the world, has just been so overwhelming.

“We have been very moved and so very touched and humbled by everyone’s generosity, in terms of donations, messages of support, and offers from people to do anything they can to help.

“We appreciate how busy everyone is with their own lives, but people have taken time out to support us, and this is appreciated more than anyone can know. There have been lots of tears shed this week.”

Donate to Samantha’s fundraising page here, and Clare’s petition, 'A New Day for Dawn, can be signed here.