Before my injury, I was enjoying a relaxed retirement. I spent my time meeting friends for coffee and taking care of my garden, simple things that brought me a lot of happiness.

Everything changed in May last year when I slipped off my walker. At first, the seriousness of what had happened wasn’t fully understood. It wasn’t until some time later, when I began experiencing spasms, that it became clear I had sustained a spinal cord injury.

In August, I arrived at the Sheffield Spinal Injury Centre to begin specialist treatment and rehabilitation. It was an incredibly difficult time for me, both physically and emotionally. Being in hospital after such a life-changing injury can feel very low and uncertain.

During my time on the ward Alex, Aspire's Independent Living Advisor, came to introduce himself and the work the charity does.

Speaking with him, and listening to him talk with others, was truly inspirational. Hearing how he had coped with his own experiences and learning about everything he had gone on to achieve, gave me real hope at a time when I needed it most.

Even now, I regularly find myself reflecting on the conversations we had and the information he shared. It’s something I continue to draw on as I move forward.

I was discharged to a care home, awaiting my care to be organised to allow my to move home. This has finally been arranged and I am now looking forward to moving back home soon.

• Elaine

Independent living

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