A rollercoaster ride with HemiHelp at our side

Audrey, a long term supporter of HemiHelp tells us more about her daughter Eleanor, and the support they have had from HemiHelp over the years

Our daughter Eleanor has left hemiplegia and was 30 years old on Christmas day – not my idea to have a baby on that day! Born in France where we still live, we were very pleased to have a daughter and little sister for her brother. But our delight soon turned to worry. A few months after Eleanor’s arrival my mother who was visiting from the UK, was holding Eleanor in her arms when she suddenly called for my attention. I thought Eleanor was having hiccups, but my mother thought she was having a convulsion or fit. An ambulance was called and Eleanor was taken to hospital.

A rollercoaster ride with HemiHelp at our side

And then began our rollercoaster ride with highs as well as lows. Looking back now Eleanor has turned 30, I reflect on the journey we have made together- and with HemiHelp by our side! We found HemiHelp through a family friend when Eleanor was diagnosed, and have greatly valued the support and information received over the years – even though the system in France is quite different to the one back in the UK.

The friend who introduced us to HemiHelp invited us to meet their daughter who also had left hemiplegia and was a little older than Eleanor. We visited them – this was in the 1990s when there was only basic internet and no social media (imagine!). Over the years as Eleanor grew, the HemiHelp newsletter gave us invaluable information, encouragement and hope. In time I started to contribute to the HemiHelp newsletter and the website. It always seemed the least I could do to encourage others with our story just as we had been so encouraged by the stories of others.

Of course, the system of care and support is very different in France compared to that in the UK. From her early diagnosis Eleanor had weekly physiotherapy and then saw an occupational therapist, speech therapist as well as having regular medical check-ups. An ‘educatuer’ was also put in place – someone who’s job it is to liaise with the school to help support Eleanor’s needs there.

Your child will surprise you!

Eleanor passed her school exams and went on to university, but the course didn’t suit her and she left. She began to volunteer at a charity shop and then in a library which inspired her to take a diploma. She also learnt to drive an automatic car with a ball on the steering wheel and then moved through various organisations overseeing the care and development of young disabled people. Eleanor did various work experience placements, learnt some life-skills and rented an apartment to live in independently.  

In time Eleanor was employed by a hotel run by an organisation who understand the importance of inclusivity and proactively employ people with disabilities and others who need more support to reach their potential. Eleanor was involved in the opening of the hotel, met local VIPs, talked to local TV and radio and was even featured on the national news. She also spoke at a conference about the work of the organisation and took part in a competition for disabled people working in hospitality – and won first place! More recently, Eleanor has been invited to speak to students at a renowned school of hotel management to explain her situation and answer questions.

Through all of this we have enjoyed local help but it’s the support from HemiHelp that has been there for me every step of the way. And, via the Facebook Group, I am often reminded of how far we have come, how much Eleanor has achieved and how proud we are of her. I could never have dreamed back in 1994 that any of this would be possible so never stop dreaming for your little one’s future – they will surprise you!