an we foget our own life after coma? The answer is YES. Liz Sykes who was struck down with encephalitis explain: “I have no recollection of that time in the Infirmary,” said Liz. “After the move to the York rehab centre, it still took me about six weeks to realise I was somewhere else. “I used to hide in a cupboard a lot. “I have had to start my life again in every way. We still don’t know to this day what caused it, but until it happens to you, you never realise what it entails.” Liz still suffers from some short-term memory loss and lacks confidence in certain areas. But last year she had battled her way back to health sufficiently to take the brave step of enrolling for a first aid course at Almondbury Children’s Centre. Since then she has taken a number of courses at the centre. When she was struck down with encephalitis, she had been taking social worker qualifications in her spare time. Liz hopes that with time and a lot of memory work on her part, she may one day realise her dream of becoming a social worker. She was nominated for the Kirklees learning award by trainer Helen Ashcroft.
She said: “She is champion. As soon as Liz walked through the door of the centre you could tell she was nervous, but so determined. “It is this determination which impresses people. Liz is so positive, she helps and supports other people all the time. “She has battled through everything with such determination. She is an inspiration to us all and we are so proud of her.” Liz is now off all medication. Last year she gave birth to daughter Jasmine and she is optimistic for the future. “I still get stressed by things like bills, which I used to deal with all the time before. But I have my health and my family, Shelton has been brilliant. Life is just so precious. I would still like to become a social worker, I’ll get there one day.” ( By Linda Whitwam )
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