Not doing every day stuff is so hard but there’s not much you can do about it as everyone’s health comes first.
I am very used to being independent – for example I usually drive my car every day and each week I see my fiancée Zoe for meals and cinema trips, visit family and friends.
Some days I feel anxious with everything that’s going on with the virus and worry about it as well as family and friends, but I won’t be the only one who’s feeling like that.
It is difficult having to stay in everyday but you just have to try to get on with it as best you can.
The only way to cope with it is by trying to stay positive. Some days can be more difficult than others as I am so used to being independent. Most days you just want to go back to normal day life, which will hopefully be one day soon.
My care system has changed dramatically as it is risky to have carers in our home at the moment. So my mum is doing all the caring now, and doing a great job, as well as working from home for the NHS.
My dad cut my hair for me. Usually that would be something I’d get done myself at the barbers - so I’ve had fantastic support from both my Mum and Dad in this crisis.
The things I miss are:
- Not seeing my sister and nieces. I know it's for everyone’s safety and well-being but can be really difficult & makes you feel isolated sometimes.
- Exercise. Normally I swim every second Tuesday.
- Powerchair football, and all the teammates I socialise and train with at Clyde PFC.
- Watching Celtic. Usually my dad and I go to every home game.
The positives to take out of this are that the weather has been nice most days so have managed to go out in my wheelchair and sit in the garden so that’s helped.
Also having FaceTime calls with my fiancée Zoe most days has helped and keeping in touch with family & friends has been nice. It’s good to still be able to keep in touch with everyone it makes shielding easier and social media has helped there.
Watching Netflix and TV with my mum and dad has been good.
I have also done 2.6 challenge for MDUK, raising over £1,000. I was really glad I could help the charity out.