Cathryn is an inspiration - FitzRoy
Donate

Cathryn is an inspiration

Published: March 5, 2021

Cathryn has been supported by FitzRoy for eight years and in that time has overcome obstacles and inspired so many with her journey.

When Cathryn had a stroke back in 2018, she was told that she would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and wouldn’t be able to talk again. However, Cathryn has defied all expectations, working so hard to become independent again.

Emily Priestley, deputy manager at our Nottinghamshire supported living service, said: “After Cathryn suffered a stroke she was discharged from the hospital with no offers of rehabilitation – we felt they looked no further than her disability.

“We were not going to take this lying down, Cathryn is an extremely determined individual and she has shown throughout her life that a disability does not define who you are.

It hasn't been an easy journey for her, she had to learn to walk and talk again, but with her steely determination she's proven that anything is possible. She is an absolute inspiration to us all and brings a smile to people’s faces every single day.

Support workers Laura and Belinda who support Cathryn said: “Cathryn is a truly inspirational woman. Throughout her life she has faced so many health issues and obstacles and has overcome all of them. She has taken lockdown in her stride with a smile on her face even when she has been unable to see her nearest and dearest in the usual way.

“She works towards any goals and rises to any challenge – she has shown people that anything is possible with a little bit of hard work. Even lockdown hasn’t stopped her setting and achieving goals and she has proven to the people who thought she would never walk again, that she can do anything she sets her mind to!

“We are privileged to be able to support Cathryn and she makes coming to work an absolute joy. As long as she has a cup of tea in her hand and Coronation Street on the TV, nothing will stop her.”