A TRANSGENDER woman has been bowled over by donations for hormone therapy after turning to crowdfunding so she can feel comfortable in her own skin.

Sasha, who has asked the Daily Echo not to use her full name, came out as trans over a year ago to her friends.

The 21-year-old has had a strong sense of being a girl ever since she was four and feels she's in "distress" without hormone replacement therapy and laser hair removal.

But now she feels as if she has a "second breath" after supporters donated more than £1,400 out of the £1,500 needed for the treatments.

She said: "The NHS waiting lines for me are estimated to be six years and are unlikely to improve.

"I can't wait any longer as it's causing me distress. I want to transition so that I can save myself."

The cash was raised in two days, with friends, family and strangers contributing.

Sasha added: "I am honestly shocked that I have so many people who are supporting my journey, and it makes me realise how lucky I am. 

"I know a lot of trans people would not share the same experience as I did. 

"All this support feels like a second breath to me."

Sasha, an international student from Latvia studying Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton, said starting the treatments would be "the biggest milestone in my transition".

She said: "I believe my mental health will improve due to better self-perception and due to being in a body that represents my true self better."

Her cause has been backed by Levi Wellman, the chairperson of People's Pride Southampton.

Levi said: "This is a story that myself and unfortunately many other trans people relate to.

"The NHS waiting times have been historically been years longer than the standard time frame for specialist NHS resources.

"This problem is only worsening due to the current Covid-19 situation. So many trans people, myself included, have had to endure the burden of affording private routes to transition."

Levi added: "For trans people, it can feel like having put your life on hold for years, and with no help for dysphoria in the meantime it is a very isolating situation to be in as well.

"It is in no way fair what we have to put up with and I hope that Sasha can get the funds that she needs to move forward with her transition and life."

See gofundme.com/f/help-sasha-start-transitioning