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Jun 12

Member of Headway Lancaster and Morecambe who suffered a brain injury had 50/50 chance of living or dying – Lancaster Guardian

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Catherine Erdal who survived a brain injury tells her story.

They rely entirely on volunteer support and work hard to raise funds to support their members.

Brain injuries can occur as a result of illness or injury and the effects can have a devastating effect on the lives of the individual and their families.

Once discharged from hospital or residential care, the reality of life back in the community can be daunting, lonely and frightening for survivors and their families.

Read Catherine's story which is truly inspiring and Headway are delighted to have her as an active member of their group.

"My name is Catherine Erdal. I am a happy, thriving, active, intelligent woman with goals and dreams who once experienced a debilitating stroke.

"At school I was very shy and experienced bullying. My escape from the bullying was to bury myself in writing poems of which several were published; I was and still am an avid reader.

"I also found escape in making friends with animals (horses and dogs). I always looked forward to going to college, so I studied hard and experienced a variety of further education establishments including Sunderland University (Psychology), Norwich University (Teaching), Hull University (e-learning).

"I had an exciting and varied career. Personnel Manager for a major cosmetics manufacturer, English Teacher (in Belize, Germany and Turkey), IT Manager for the NHS in Colchester, Lecturer on e-learning for the University of Essex, Senior Manager IT for Cambridge NHS, Chair or e-learning NHS UK Government Team.

"My voluntary work focused on working with teenagers. I studied hard and I reaped the rewards of a great career.

"My family consists of two grown children Rhiannon and Alistair (both currently studying in university), an (ex) husband who is a human rights lawyer.

"I have wonderful friends who I consider my family.

"Some years ago I lost both of my parents within a very short time of each other, shortly thereafter I spent six months in various hospitals/trauma centres.

"I had collapsed suddenly and without warning. It was very fortunate that my daughter was with me at the time, she quickly called for an ambulance.

"I immediately began my 50/50 chance of living or dying.

"Loss of consciousness, acute confused state, subarachnoid hemorrhage, significant expressive dysphasia, dense right sided weakness, stress incontinence.

"I spent months of going in and out of consciousness, long periods of sleep and short periods of being awake.

"It was the most frightening experience of my life, I was in shock and felt so vulnerable for so long.

"Today is a different story thanks to the incredible NHS, my family, my friends, my helpers, my community and my faith.

"Above all it is thanks to Headway Lancaster and Morecambe Bay that despite still having limited mobility, dexterity and speech, I am active and busy.

"Swimming, walking, gardening, rock wall climbing, hiking, shopping are just a few of those activities, some of which do of course require someone to help me and I am so very grateful to those dedicated people in my life who graciously provide the help I need.

"I have over the past two years worked very hard to lose weight and so far I have lost three stone with the help of Weight Watchers.

"What is in my future? Love, friendship, family, physical and mental improvement, new activities, new challenges and above all continued hope and gratitude."

Headway Lancaster and Morecambe are currently recruiting volunteers to help with a variety of activities and would love to hear from you.

Due to Covid-19 their usual fundraising events have been cancelled and they desperately need help to raise funds.

"If you would like to make a donation, fundraise or volunteer please visit the website https://www.headwaylancaster.com.

Follow this link:
Member of Headway Lancaster and Morecambe who suffered a brain injury had 50/50 chance of living or dying - Lancaster Guardian

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