I spent my childhood in Great Yarmouth, before moving to London where I started my career managing pubs and bars. I then relocated to Norfolk, where I began working for an insurance company, Norwich Union, but due to the symptoms of my MS I was able to take early retirement. I then spent 20 years of my living in the Czech Republic with my wife and children, before moving back to the UK and into Orbit’s extra care living scheme. I needed to come back to the UK, so I was able to better communicate my needs.
I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 14, which is unusual. Because I was told at an early age, I was able to prepare myself as much as I could for what was to come – but you can’t ever fully prepare for living with a disability. It was hard to believe that one day I wasn’t going to be able to move an arm or leg.
MS is a condition which can cause a wide range of symptoms, including eyesight and hearing problems, arm and leg movement, sensation, balance and thinking capacity. The main symptom I live with is physical incapacity, I can’t move my legs and I can only use my right hand. MS can’t be cured, but I meditate regularly and exercise when I can to help ease some of the symptoms.
When you’re so limited physically, you have to make every little thing enjoyable – and so they become your hobby! You expand the number of hobbies and interests you have, to fill up your time. They also improve your wellbeing and encourage a more positive mindset, everyday tasks become an enjoyable pastime, for example having your meals or watching programmes. Meditation is a regular hobby of mine and I’m currently looking at swimming classes, which I hope will help with my MS symptoms as well. I’m really interested in developing science and technology, so I watch a lot of science programmes.
Online courses are a good way to offer hobbies to those who are less mobile, so Orbit arranged for me to attend an online computer course, which I found really useful. Online classes would be a great way to reach lots of independent living schemes in one go! Orbit have also supported me by installing a remote-control door, so it opens automatically, making it easier for me to get in and out of my room. The scheme often arranges craft activities in the communal areas which are good – it is important for residents to have this space to meet and socialise, and I have been able to form friendships because of this. I’m looking forward to a new chess club starting soon!
Orbit has always been very supportive, and staff are happy to help me with difficult tasks, such as filling out forms. They have appreciated and understood my needs, which helps me live an independent life. It is reassuring to know that a member of staff is always there in case I need them, and I feel very safe and secure living here.
