I attend the college two days a week. Knowing that my catering career was over, I started taking course's in computer skills, apart from the college I have taken 2 correspondence's courses {my interest in Computers started at the R.N.R.U.}. On the present course I'm taking my tutor Howard was impressed by this web site and will be putting a picture of me on the ECDL website on the college Intranet. He intends to add a URL under the picture so other students can view this web site! Update Feb 2002 I now attend Epping Forest College

My stroke has resulted in the partial paralysis of my right arm/hand and leg and damaged my speech, sight and hearing. Although I do the exercises given to me by the neurological physiotherapist's every day; the improvements are not obvious to me. I know I must not give up, as they give me hope for a future life without the need for any prosthetics.

Every day is a challenge even with the things I know I've achieved. Although I can climb the stairs now I still have to overcome my fears as to what could happen to me because of my disability. For example the less I use public transport the worse the fears become knowing fully I have completed these tasks before. I'm known for referring to this as ' My 2nd Life'. I have learnt not to go 'down that road' that leads to the first one, which can only cause frustration & despair.

Because like many other stroke victims my voice, vocabulary & hearing have been affected I am continually frustrated by the difficulties caused by forgetting words and being misunderstood. This makes it very difficult to express myself correctly, but my friends are patient and understand my frustration.

Learning how to create this web site has taken me 2 years from first learning how to use my computer and not just playing games on it!

I live with my stroke and it's consequences every day and I don't really see any improvement in my condition. It is only when friends say "Remember were you came from" that I realise how much improvement I have made. I am not unique there are many people who share the same difficulties and fears, not just stoke victims but also their families. Many are not as lucky as myself and now live their life in a hospital bed because they do not get the help they needed. Unfortunately for some no medical help can improve their life and I dread to think what goes on in their minds, when they know their bodies are of no use to them. I have to remember this, it's one of my favourite quotes it give's me hope for the future. Doctors don't know everything really. They understand matter, not a person's spirit, and I live in spirit

A friend of mine took me to Liverpool St. Station in the summer of 1998. Where everyone seemed to be either on their mobile phones or walking along eating they lunch. I once took part in this ' Rat race ' but it did feel great to be a part of London life again.

My latest excursion was a trip to see the "sights" in London. I went to the London Eye, the Globe Theatre, St. Jame's Park and Buckingham Palace. We even saw the Millennium "Swaying Bridge"

 There is no "easier softer " way in this disability. On investigation the only way I know through this brain insult, is hard work at a daily physiotherapy exercise's program & time, together with a single mindedness.

These following pages are to show that life isn't over after a Stroke!

Trains