It started with a seizure, and I had no idea I was to have a long and very challenging journey ahead.

I was a single parent at the time so I was always busy juggling life around.  My scan results came back normal and I was therefore diagnosed with epilepsy.  However, the hospital treatments and medications made no difference and these episodes continued.  For the next seven years they increased, and I was soon losing complete consciousness and passing out as well.

The seizures didn’t come with a warning sign, so I was never able to prepare for them. Every day was like walking a tightrope. I would collapse anywhere, including at work or on school runs, when shopping and while at home. Alongside coping with their potentially fatal outcomes, I was covered in painful scrapes and cuts, a constant reminder of the battles I faced. I was soon permanently aware of my own mortality.

Determined to adapt to these new life circumstances and challenges, I planned ahead where I could. To ensure I had another career option, if ever needed in the future, I studied for and completed a BA degree.

Eventually I received my final diagnosis. A scan now revealed a tumor and I had brain cancer. It actually came as a relief as I now knew something about the battle I had been up against for these past seven years.

I underwent brain surgery and concentrated on getting life back to “normal.”  After a year of recovery and remission, I decided to study again, this time for a Mandarin languages qualification. I also changed my career for a more purpose-driven path and now use my insights, knowledge, and new skill sets from my experiences to make a valuable social impact and positive change.

As a personal development coach, I help people achieve their personal growth and success on their unique life journeys. I also work with employers to achieve their disability-friendly workplace goals, support teachers and students within education, and work within charities and on medical research projects to prevent, diagnose, and treat health issues.