Rylan Clark-Neal shares fundraiser to help Nikki Grahame get treatment to beat anorexia

Rylan Clark-Neal has appealed to fans to help raise funds for Big Brother’s Nikki Grahame to help beat anorexia at a specialist clinic. 

The presenter, 32, shared a link to a GoFundMe page created by friends of Nikki, 38, who are hoping to raise £25,000 after exhausting all avenues to get help through the NHS. 

He tweeted: ‘This is v hard to read but sharing with permission. If some of the family could help in any way I know it would be greatly appreciated. Sending love x’.

Nikki’s friends had set up the page with her permission and shared her story of battling the eating disorder for ‘most of her life’. 

They wrote: ‘She has been battling [anorexia] for most of her life and as you can see, Nikki is now in a very bad way so we need to do something quickly. 

‘Over the past years Nikki’s family and friends have tried so desperately to get Nikki all the help possible through the NHS but unfortunately the treatments have failed and we have exhausted every avenue possible, and now Nik is unfortunately in a very bad way, this is now our last hope.’

They hope that seeking treatment in a specialist clinic will help her ‘kick this illness to the curb once and for all.’

They explained: ‘At the moment, Nikki constantly feels weak and is struggling on a day to day basis. 

‘She feels trapped and really wants to get better but feels like it’s impossible. It’s heart-breaking and we desperately just want a healthy and well Nikki back with us. She has no energy and is taking each day as it comes.

‘Mental health, as so many of you know, is debilitating in many ways. We want to help save our friend from letting this Illness beat her. If you are able to donate anything then we would be extremely grateful.’

Treatment for an eating disorder at a private clinic costs £25,000 a month, but is now the ‘only option’ for Nikki to beat anorexia. 

The page also shared images of Nikki in a bikini, telling donors: ‘We know the photos may be distressing but we felt it was important to show the severity of where Nikki is currently at. 

‘The basic treatment Nikki has been receiving from the NHS is simply just not working for her so her only option now is to seek expensive intensive treatment at The Prioriy or a similar alternative facility alongside meticulous private therapy.’

Nikki’s representative added: ‘It is with sadness that we can confirm Nikki’s battle with anorexia has worsened in recent months and those closest to her are doing everything they can to assist with her recuperation, most notably in the form of a GoFundMe page. 

‘We are confident Nikki will be able to make a full recovery and she would personally like to thank everyone for their kind words, wishes and donations today and beyond.’

Nikki had found fame on the seventh series of Big Brother in 2006, finishing in fifth place but becoming one of the breakout stars thanks to her impassioned rants in the Diary Room. 

She has previously spoken about her eating disorder, which she has battled since she was a child, including in her book, Dying To Be Thin.

Donations towards Nikki’s treatment at a specialist clinic can be made here. 

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