Wake me up when September ends…

20 years ago, my late mum suffered life-changing injuries in the wake of a traumatic NHS never event.

Our lives were forever changed on a rainy late September day in 2003, and my mum required 24/7 care following a diagnosis of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) as we battled for answers and justice in the aftermath - culminating in an out-of-court settlement.

Suddenly, this lifelong Batman fan was the 'dark detective' in a real-life drama featuring allies, adversaries and found family. Dad and I would walk hospital corridors on countless nightmarish nights. Trust was in short supply.

A family friend brilliantly suggested keeping a diary (something I may never have considered in the midst of emotional chaos).

For the next 4 1/2 years, I kept a detailed account of the narrative of events. This was used for catharsis, to assist healthcare professionals and formed the basis of a witness statement.

Later, a copy of my diary was passed to a brain injury charity to assist with further research and help families facing a similar situation. Thus reprising the documentation of my 12-year rehabilitation (in childhood) by NHS healthcare professionals.

I still harbour (lofty) ambitions to adapt the diary into a book (an idea from an emeritus professor) in the hope of helping others.

Lessons were learned, the hospital apologised and my mum’s legacy saved lives.

If you live long enough, you may become the villain of your own story. Mum’s story was shortened and she will always be the hero in mine…

(I originally wrote this for Facebook, but it deserved to be seen by a wider audience.)