I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus after experiencing severe head pressure, head aches, dizziness, cognitive impairment and memory loss.

I underwent a series of neuropsychology tests with Wessex neuro at Southampton General , to test my cognition and reactions/ memory recall as well as several lumbar punctures (spinal taps) to relieve the pressure from the excess cerebral fluid on my brain. But these are short term treatments for an incurable condition so in November 2023 I underwent brain surgery to have a cerebral shunt inserted into my head to continuously drain the excess “water from my brain ” into my stomach via tubing that they have inserted into my body and neck. I had part of my head shaved at the back and now have a curve shaped scar in my scalp, which is luckily hidden by my hair as they clipped it up . This has taken some getting used to and my balance still isn’t where it needs to be as I have also developed some hearing impairments which I am currently being tested for.

Despite this, with my husband Kev’s help with balance support , I am going to try to do something to build awareness of hydrocephalus and the great work being undertaken by Shine and Wessex Neuro unit at the Southampton General Hospital and anyone affected by dementia hot brain impairment so I will be underrating some charity events when I can this year to try and support these great causes, if you can share a few pennies I would really appreciate it! I have self funded my charity events so that ALL your donations will go straight to the charities!!!

A little bit more about the charities:

1) The Wessex Neurological Centre provides treatment for disorders affecting the brain, spine and nerves.

The centre serves a population of over three million people and treats patients from across the South, including the Channel Islands.

The central nervous system is highly complex and so are the diseases that affect it. The unit treat a wide range of conditions which require the skills of many different specialists.

2) Shine provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff. Shine enables people to get the best out of life.

Everything Shine does is made possible by generous supporters. These fundraising efforts help individuals and families in local communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Every donation has the potential for profound impact.

THANK YOU for supporting Shine and Wessex Neuro!

The Wessex Neurological Centre provides acute and specialist care to patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, West Sussex, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. Support our staff, patients and their families but donating today.