News

Growing up, I always believed that “It’s not what happens to you. It’s how you respond to what happens to you.” This mantra guided me when my school refused to help me apply to medical school because they believed girls were meant to be nurses, not doctors. I set my sights on Barts, the best medical school, known then for its reluctance to admit women. I applied on my own, writing a compelling cover letter, and to my delight, I was accepted.

My career in medicine was extraordinary and fulfilling. I took on the immense challenge of running a 200-bed hospital in rural Africa. Often, I was the only doctor available. It was a wonderful accomplishment, and I didn’t think I could ever do something like that without God’s help.

Life then presented me with a profound personal challenge. I began to experience symptoms of dementia, which most people didn’t believe because I covered it up well. The turning point came when I didn’t recognize people I’d worked with for decades. It was then I realized I had to resign.

I now travel extensively, sharing my experiences of dementia to help support those living with dementia. This new career is wonderful and fulfilling.

Now, as a resident of Richmond Villages Cheltenham, I continue to embrace life with the same determination and positivity I always have.