A FORMER pub landlady has spoken movingly about how her life was devastated when an artery in her brain ruptured.
One minute Hazel Jones seemed a fit and healthy 33-year-old running the Brynteg Inn, in Brynteg, near Wrexham.
But while she was doing some paperwork she had a “splitting headache” and the next thing she remembers is waking up in hospital months later.
Hazel had suffered a brain aneurysm (bleeding) and over the next few years epilepsy developed.
Hazel has since moved to Bryn Bella, a unit which specialises in 24 hour care for younger people within the Pendine Care organisation in Wrexham.
Gerry Humphreys, the organisation’s activities co-ordinator joined Hazel and other Pendine Park residents, while they enjoyed an afternoon tenpin bowling at Eagles Meadow, courtesy of Tenpin manager Alistair Tonkiss.
Gerry said: “We really appreciate this, we have been given two lanes and it really gives the residents something to look forward to.
“We have various trips to the theatre, the seaside, football grounds, museums, art galleries, I am quite passionate about my role. My personal belief is that because someone is in the care system their social life should not be finished, so we try and accommodate all their hobbies and interests.
“We don’t make them join in, we encourage them. Those who prefer their own company we will chat to and perhaps read to them.”
Hazel thought the bowling was great. “I had six to eight weeks in the Maelor after Walton and had physio, speech therapy, learn how to eat, learn how to do everything.
“The epilepsy kicked off a lot more last year and I was with my mum and it was getting as lot for her to cope with so I came to Pendine Park to give it a look. I enjoy it. I am safe and confident now and a lot calmer.
“I would not go out and look at me now. I was frightened people would just think I was drunk or stupid or just another disabled person.”