On New Year’s Day, 2026, I had a bleed on my brain. I took myself to hospital, where I collapsed with a second, bigger bleed. These were caused by a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (dAVF). My lungs were also struggling and I was very close to death. I am now at home, still recovering. It will be a long haul, but I consider myself very lucky indeed just to be here. I have good speech, and I still feel like ‘me’ most of the time!
During my stay in hospital, my daughter Arera was very determined to get me back to drawing – she knows it is my ‘happy place’. As soon as I was able to hold a pen, I was provided with felt tip pens and paper and lots of chances to draw. At first I could only ‘draw’ words, but over time, my drawing has pretty much come back.
The people for whom I was due to be doing commissions have been extremely patient – something for which I am really grateful. I’m planning on doing those in the second half of this year!