Like many amputees in the early days, I thought there was no reason to go on especially being on my own. But believe me with the help of the British Vascular Foundation, my surgeon John Thompson, friends, medical staff and those from the mobility centre, I turned the corner. Everyone at the mobility centre is so jolly and the other amputees are all willing to help each other cope with their disability. I can now say that making a new life for myself is well worth it. I can drive, walk my dogs and do all practical jobs.
Life is still a challenge, but a most rewarding one.
I firmly support the British Vascular Foundation and what they are trying to achieve. Bruce Conchie first presented with an abdominal aneurysm nineteen years ago, then had his coronary arteries bypassed and, some three years ago, his carotid arteries unblocked. Now happily retired, he had all this performed during a working life in container shipping. Early detection and prevention is the message here. It all began when Angie tripped up on a kerb stone.