About me

I thought I'd write a bit about me but have decided to divide it into a post on the health side of things and this post which will be about me and the things I like doing etc.


I live in a bungalow in a small and friendly village in North Hertfordshire. At the moment, I share it with three very spoilt cats. I say at the moment because unfortunately I took my boy cat, Ollie who is 15, to the vet today and he is going to be put to sleep on Wednesday. He has bad arthritis and various other problems so this is the kindest thing for him. I'm going to spoil him rotten though with all his favourite treats. My other two cats are girls and are 17 and 10. They are all great company and love cuddles!


My parents live nearby as does my brother. I did have a younger sister, Kerry, but she died 18 months ago. She had Downs syndrome but was extremely lovable and the life and soul of the party. She is very missed and I try and visit her grave as often as a I can.


I went to Uni in Stoke a bit later than most but had a great time and came away with a degree in Applied Social Studies. Since then I've done various online courses and a few teaching courses at the local college. I now volunteer two mornings a week at the college as an adult numeracy learner support worker. The title makes it sounder posher than it is! I basically work with adults who have not learnt basic numeracy skills for various reasons such as learning disabilities, illness, teenage pregnancy, immigration etc. The class is taken by another tutor and I then sit and work with those who need extra support. It is challenging but very rewardable and enjoyable.


I also do quite a bit of work for Postpals. Postpals was set up over five years ago by a group of people with ME and through their website encourages people to send cards, lettters and presents to children with long term and life limiting illnesses. I joined just after it started and as well as sending homemade cards to the children, have also helped out with various jobs and admin tasks. I really enjoy getting to know the children and their families and it helps in a way to take my mind off my own illness and to focus on something else.


My main hobby is making cards. I started by just making a few for the pals but since I've got more interested in it and learnt more, I've started making more and more complicated ones. I also enjoy playing on the Wii particularly WiiFit plus, reading, watching television and surfing the internet. When the weather is good I also enjoy sailing. I'm part of a local Sailability and sail either an Access or Challenger. It's great fun and I enjoy the freedom.


That's it really about me, I'll fill you in on the medical side of stuff in the next post.