Big Brother star Nikki Grahame is set to begin specialist anorexia nervosa treatment at a private facility after her friends raised £65,539 online to fund the care that she requires.
A source disclosed to MailOnline that her treatment will begin on Monday as they thanked the public for their overwhelming support and generous donations.
Her pals, Carly Cunningham and Leon Dee, exceeded their £50,000 goal on their GoFundMe page last weekend, which was set up to cover the costs of her forthcoming therapy.
Health: Big Brother star Nikki Grahame is set to begin specialist anorexia nervosa treatment at a private facility after her friends raised £65,539 online to fund the care that she requires
The source close to Nikki, 38, said: ‘Nikki would like to thank each and every single person for their kind and generous donations.
‘She has seen the wonderful messages and wishes pouring in both personally and through her GoFundMe Page and has nothing but gratitude.
‘On hitting the GoFundMe target last weekend, those close to her started the long, and at times difficult, though always productive process of finding Nikki the best possible facility and care she requires.’
They added: ‘Due to the incredible donations received we’re pleased to report that a private facility which is able to admit her has been found and her road to recovery will begin from Monday.
Recovery: A source disclosed to MailOnline that the reality star’s, 38, treatment will begin on Monday as they thanked the public for their overwhelming support and generous donations
‘Though we know, since many people have been instrumental in enabling her access to the facility and help, they want to know details of this, in the interest of Nikki’s safety and privacy, for the time being, particulars of this recovery will be kept private.
‘When the time is right, Nikki herself will be able to share the finer details of the process, her progress and where the incredible donations are going.’
Last Friday, Rylan Clark-Neal appealed to his followers to help the former Big Brother contestant after her battle with anorexia left her in a very ‘bad way’.
The TV presenter, 32, called attention to the GoFundMe page and said on Twitter: ‘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.’ (sic)
Wow: Her pals, Carly Cunningham and Leon Dee, exceeded their £50,000 goal on their GoFundMe page last weekend, which was set up to cover the costs of her forthcoming therapy
The original GoFundMe post read: ‘We have set up this page for our very close and dear friend Nikki. As some of you may know, Nikki is battling Anorexia.
‘She has been battling 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 Nikkis 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.
‘This is why we feel that getting her treatment in a specialist clinic is the only option left for her.’
Support: Last Friday, Rylan Clark-Neal appealed to his followers to help the former Big Brother contestant after her battle with anorexia has left her in a very ‘bad way’
Plea: Rylan, who won Celebrity Big Brother 11, said on Twitter: ‘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’ (sic)
They continued: ‘We are praying this gives her the chance of kicking this illness to the curb once and for all.
‘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.’
Nikki appeared on the seventh series of Big Brother UK in 2006 and she developed an eating disorder as a child.
The GoFundMe page went on to explain why they decided to upload a harrowing picture of Nikki, revealing her current condition and figure.
They added: ‘Nikki has given permission for the creation of this page and is supporting it in the hope it enables her to access the special care and treatment she desperately needs.
‘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 Priory or a similar alternative facility alongside meticulous private therapy.
‘The above treatment and facility costs 25 thousand pounds per month and we believe this is her only option to provide the care and life saving treatment she needs.’ (sic)
For help and support with eating disorders contact SEED on (01482) 718130 or visit www.seedeatingdisorders.org.uk
History: Nikki appeared on the seventh series of Big Brother UK in 2006 and she developed an eating disorder as a child