Barnstaple man launches fundraiser to raise money for gender surgery

A transgender male has organised a 10-mile fundraising walk at Baggy Point in Croyde next week to raise funds for his crucial top surgery. 

Charlie Turner, aged 19, is looking to undergo surgery in 2025, having saved £1,000 personally and raised approximately £200 through fundraisings.

Despite facing challenges in his gender journey, Charlie’s positive approach has garnered a supportive response from the community.

The London Transgender Clinic has explained that top surgery, also known as Subcutaneous Mastectomy, refers to a procedure to remove the female breasts in a female to male transgender individual. This procedure help better align the body with a person's gender identity. 

The 10 mile walk, which will commence on Saturday, January 20, has seen Charlie prepare through various fitness regimes in order to be in the best possible shape for the walk. This included signing up to a local gym, walking to the gym instead of driving and going on dog walks with his grandfather which are roughly four to five miles a time. 

To cover the surgery costs, Charlie set up a GoFundMe campaign with a target of £6,000. Remarkably, his story reached Anthony Lexa, a transgender woman and actor from Netflix’s Sex Education, recognised for her support of the transgender community.

After seeing Charlie’s posts about the fundraising walk, Anthony reached out and the two collaborated on a Zoom call. Anthony subsequently shared Charlie’s journey on Instagram, bringing wider attention and support to the cause.

Charlie’s innovative approach extended to a triumphant cake stall at Green Lanes Shopping Centre in Barnstaple, where he not only sold delicious treats, earning £95 but also provided information about the surgery. The stall generated positive comments and sparked interest in his upcoming walk.

Charlie’s decision to share his story with the North Devon Gazette aims to inspire others facing gender identity struggles. 

Recognising the sensitivity of the topic, his goal is to provide comfort and guidance to those navigating gender identity exploration. He encourages openness, exploration and emphasises the importance of seeking professional support including counselling for a smoother journey.

Despite facing some negativity, he has remained resilient, focusing on the positive aspects of his journey. Beyond immediate fundraising goals, he hopes sharing his story will have a wider impact on the conversation surrounding gender identity and acceptance within the community.

Towards his goal of surgery in 2025, he has stressed the significance of getting to know the surgeon and encourages others to explore their options for a personalised and informed choice. He was also lucky to see the work of a surgeon he likes on his friends as they have undergone the same operation. 

In offering valuable advice, Charlie said the importance of self-discovery, exploring options, seeking support, and taking the time to make informed decisions. 

To donate and support Charlie, you can follow the link here.