I was very active. I used to travel all over the world, had a personal trainer and helped a lot with my two grandchildren. I used to spend a lot of time in Covent Garden and enjoyed the ballet. I was incredibly fortunate; I had a very good social existence. That’s changed now.

Ten years ago, I had an emergency aortic dissection. Then, in 2023, I needed a new aortic valve and open-heart surgery again. I had the surgery in February 2024 privately. The six-hour operation was successful regarding my heart, but I woke up to be told that I had a crushed L1 vertebra.

It is shrouded in mystery as to what happened. I believe I was dropped at some point, but obviously that will not be confirmed. Six days later, I needed an eight-hour operation on my spine.

I never considered paralysis. I am not a shrinking violet and created merry hell. I had every conceivable person down to find out what they were going to do about it. My son is also very good at keeping me on the straight and narrow. He said, “Mother, you have just got to get on with it. There is no other option... we will get through it.”

I was in hospital for one week before I was discharged, in a wheelchair, with no rehabilitation. I was left completely to my own devices and did not know what to do next.

My son and I found a rehab centre in Reading. I went there for a week initially but stayed for three weeks overall. I made progress after extensive physio every day. I left using crutches. I now always travel with a specific cushion because it is very painful to sit in an ordinary chair.

My son is very stoic. He is immensely practical and likes to get on and sort things out, but I know he was very shocked. My family are marvellous. They came to visit me in Reading, which is a very long way. They lead their own lives but cannot do enough for me and are very supportive. We decided that, psychologically, it was better if we did not keep going back and picking at the scab, just move on and try to make the best of life.

I went to my son’s lunch party and met someone who also had Cauda Equina Syndrome. They told me to contact SIA, who recommended I speak to Aspire’s Welfare Benefits Advice team.

I had heard from other people how difficult applying for Attendance Allowance is and that professional help is needed. By then, I had applied for a blue badge and that was difficult enough. When it came to Attendance Allowance, I thought, if it is going to be even more difficult, then I need some help with this.

I simply could not have done it without Aspire. I was amazed at how differently you did it compared with how I was anticipating doing it. I would have given it a go but having had the support and knowing what I know now, I would not have got the desired result at all. There is no way I could have foreseen how you answered the questions and all that you included.

I am the sort of person who tries to get better; I try not to think of myself as disabled, but that is the wrong approach with these forms. You made me realise how important it is to demonstrate how debilitating this condition can be.

The process was very straightforward and stress-free. You have no idea how reassuring it is to have the support, and I cannot fault the service at all.

The Attendance Allowance allows me to see a chiropractor and podiatrist more often than I would otherwise be able to without it. It gives me freedom and some independence, as I can also book taxis now, too.

I could not have done this without Aspire. If I ever find someone like my son’s friend found me, I would certainly recommend that they speak to you. I do not know why anyone would not recommend you. The service is extremely reliable; you do what you say you are going to do. I have felt incredibly supported. Thank you for all that you do and for helping me.

Welfare Benefits Advice

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