My Story…
I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a very young age; I even nearly died due to a seizure when I was a baby prior to being diagnosed. Little did I know until I was older that there had been complications when I was born. With the aid of medications, particularly the ones started when I was a teenager; I had accepted it, and despite my background was determined and able to pursue my desire since secondary school to become an art teacher.
I had also grown up struggling to handle stress, over thinking and always worrying; something nature, wildlife and even art always use to help me relax and feel inspired during these challenges as a child. I was still determined to make something of my life despite these things.
However; I could never have predicted how my life would change in the years to follow……
Leaving sixth form; I continued to pursue the subject that had always inspired me the most; art. A year’s foundation course followed by 3 years studying fine art. It was a time when I pursued my pure passion and inspiration for nature; even working out on location with the materials I could find. My final mark was a 2:1 BA Hons in Fine art. After that I decided to keep pursuing my career (not taking any gap years) so I could reach my goal to become an Art teacher.
But before doing another year at university (to study for a PGCE in secondary Art and Design) I was advised to build and gain some experience by being a Teaching Assistant. It became an amazing part of my own learning and experience journey during my two years as a TA. I had always been the person willing to push himself further, dedicated and go beyond what was expected. And this was certainly the case.
During my second year as a TA; I had established and run an art club and also introduced photography to the school; running its very first photography club. I gave my free time to helping further in the art department too, putting in many extra voluntary hours after school. I became a GCSE art mentor and in my last 3 months I was offered to take a temporary art teacher role. (all whilst being a TA) I put my heart and time into the job, doing so much to inspire students; not because I had too; but because I enjoyed the job inspiring others and the subject of art so much.
I then went on to completing a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design at university. In 2009; I had made it. Got offered an art job on my first interview at a school down in Dorset, which even allowed me to finally move out of the estate I had grown up in. I had worked so hard to get this amazing opportunity. I had finally reached the job I had dedicated years to achieve.
BUT IN 2010 MY LIFE DRAMATICALLY TURNED. My epilepsy had decided to violently resurface; severe tonic-clonic seizures. They were that bad and uncontrolled I had to leave my teaching job and move back in with parents. And so began my 5 years of trying every medication possible with very regular seizures not being controlled. I had lost everything I had worked so hard for. Along with severe epilepsy; I was also diagnosed with severe depression and general anxiety disorder.
Because medications had not worked; in 2015 I was offered the risk/chance of having brain surgery. They had finally found damage (which they felt was caused by fore sips at birth) deep in my brain but felt it was possible. They highlighted all the possible risks of surgery, and won’t lie; I was in two minds whether to have it. But I decided to go ahead with the brain surgery…….
……HOWEVER, there were complications during my 10-hour brain surgery. I had suffered a stroke whilst my damage brain section was being removed. My life was about to be shaken up again. Improvements of my seizures I felt come at such a cost. A number of brain damage symptoms and issues that I will have to live the rest of my life with; I had completely forgotten chunks of my past; my anxiety and depression would also be further fuelled by the after effects of the brain damage from both surgery and stroke. To add to that; My right side of my body would also have permanent nerve damage (neuropathic pain); another aspect I would have to accept and live with, (and continue to still learn and adapt to that even now.)
The first 5 years after the surgery was a very dark time for me. Despite all that had happened I still felt my passions and appreciation for nature and art. It truly kept me going. Nature is such an amazing gift in life; one that doesn’t judge us by our wealth or health. It has a wonderful way of reminding us of one of the purest things to enjoy and be grateful for in life, something worth living to enjoy. Art has always been my most enjoyed and fascinating way of exploring, expressing and sharing such wonders in life.
My desire to want to try helping others was also still there despite having to learn, accept, adapt and even change things in my own life due to my medical background. My own experiences in life only further fuel my desire to want to help inspire others. Although everyone’s symptoms and challenges with disabilities are different; I can truly say I know how it feels to face physical and mental challenges in life each day.
Truth is as I have learnt; you never truly know what will happen to you and your health the next day. So much can be completely unpredictable and completely out of our hands. Find what inspires you in life and enjoy it every day and in any way you can. I also currently work part time as an artist for a charity that helps others, many who have learning disabilities, enjoy their own journeys and interests through art.
