Turning Adversity in to Opportunity
Embarking on an uncertain journey after leaving school at 18, I found my path through the corridors of traditional banking, eventually navigating the dynamic tide at the UK’s first internet-only bank, where I progressed to working in business projects; learning all about planning, execution, and completion of various projects. In 2007 I gave birth to my eldest son, Jack, who was born with lots of unexpected medical complications, and at just 10 months old underwent his first brain surgery (and his 2nd brain surgery just before his 3rd birthday). It was at this point I decided to put my career on hold and become Jack’s full-time carer. Less than 2 years later, Jack’s little brother Noah arrived in the world and being a full-time mum to two beautiful boys was what filled my days (and nights) for the next 10 years.
Easter Sunday 2017 was a pivotal point in my life. Having been poorly in bed for a week, unable at this point to even keep water down, and passing nothing but blood from my rectum, my (now ex-) husband convinced me I needed to get some medical attention, so he took me to our local A&E department. Initially convinced I’d got some sort of food poisoning, but so severely dehydrated I was admitted to be pumped full of fluids and antibiotics. A week of fluids and antibiotics later, I was no better so taken for a colonoscopy where they discovered I’d got Crohn’s disease. The following year was not one I really care to remember; 13 colonoscopies, feeling like a human guinea pig, trialling steroids and immunosuppressants, injecting myself with cocktails of prescribed drugs, spending weeks at a time on a hospital ward being hooked up to infusions filled with even more concoctions of drugs, losing two thirds of my hair, daily headaches, going to the toilet 30+ times a day, crippling anxiety, a prescribed liquid diet, nothing it seems was going to stop this evil Crohn’s disease in its tracks. On May the 8th 2018 I was wheeled into theatre and many hours later wheeled out the other side missing one major organ but having gained a shiny new stoma. This is the day that changed my life, for the better.
Whilst in recovery I decided I no longer wanted to spend my life in hospitals; I no longer wanted to feel like a human guinea pig, I wanted to take back control of both my physical and mental health. Motivated by my health journey, I delved into health and nutrition studies and learned how critical certain vitamins and minerals were, especially to someone who no longer has the part of the bowel which absorbs them through diet. In addition to studying, I started using daily affirmations to help change my mindset and which in turn dramatically improved my mental health. I focussed on how my life would be, free from the constraints of Crohn’s disease, happy and healthy, and taking back control over my future. Faced with unexpected health battles, including my son Jack’s medical complexities and my own encounter with Crohn’s disease, I turned adversity into an opportunity for personal growth, eventually establishing a business offering legally prescribed vitamin injections; a venture born from a desire to empower others on their wellness journey, and this is where I met Denise. After becoming a mentor and training manager for other vitamin therapists, my connection with Denise was a serendipitous turn, blossoming into a partnership marked by shared visions and the belief in the power of manifestation; a Sunday afternoon chat on the phone is when we had our I Am moment!
As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for every twist and turn that led me to this chance encounter with Denise; a truly inspirational woman, whose journey through life has been nothing short of colourful. Her strength, courage, and determination to be the best version of herself is nothing short of admirable. If only the world was full of people with hearts as big as hers, it would be such a beautiful place. With a heart full of gratitude and lessons learned, I look forward to shaping a future filled with purpose and positivity.
