Massive congratulations to our happy client Mark Stephens – he’s now ‘Fit to Drive’ following tuition and an assessment from Herts Ability! Here’s Mark’s journey towards independence in his own words…
“I had been driving successfully for well over 45 years when I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) at the end of 2019.
I started chemo immediately at the Helen Donald unit at Watford.
However, after five sessions I began to experience sharp pains in my hands and feet and began to lose feeling in my feet and lost dexterity in my hands. One aspect of the chemo was stopped but I finished the rest of the course.
I had been referred to UCLH who advised me that I was suitable for a stem cell transplant but they were concerned at the extent on my peripheral neuropathy and referred me to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square in London where I was seen by neurologists and neurosurgeons.
The stem cell transplant was put on hold in part due to covid in part due to my pain levels and gradual loss of use/dexterity of legs, feet and hands.
Needless to say I had taken the decision to stop driving long before this point.
To add to our difficulties my wife Nora sadly had cancer too which had moved to her brain so she was not allowed to drive legally. We were both stuck at home with covid, cancer, vulnerable immune systems and unable to drive.
Family and friends were very good and I used Hospice volunteer drivers when I could but we felt isolated and had numerous medical appointments to attend.
I had my stem cell transplant in April 2021 and also had surgery on my neck to help peripheral neuropathy in November 2021.
One of many NHS visitors aware of my condition kindly referred me to Herts Ability and the marvellous work they do. If she hadn’t I suspect I could still be isolated at home.
So I looked them up on the internet and booked an initial assessment in April 2022 – by which time it was over one year since my stem cell transplant.
I was feeling stronger because the pain from my peripheral neuropathy was being better addressed.
My first assessment went very well and consisted of a mental, memory and dexterity agility test, plus a visual and verbal physical review.
I was then taken out to see an adapted vehicle and shown by the assessor how adapted controls work. Sarah Wright, an occupational therapist was sitting in the back seat, which made me feel even more at ease.
As you would expect, all of the staff I encountered – from admin to instructors – were very professional, caring and courteous.
I then booked some driving lessons with two great instructors who did a fantastic job of building my confidence and ensuring I was safe to use the adapted vehicle.
The assessment was booked with Herts Ability’s Assistant Manager Mark Thackeray, who kindly explained the process, and told me I would have five minutes to familiarise myself with the vehicle and its controls.
Mark put me totally at ease and also said if I went wrong or misunderstood an instruction – as long as I did it safely and demonstrated correct use of the controls – it would not count against me during the assessment. This was very reassuring at the time and helped me enormously!
Suffice to say, the assessment was a success and I’m now ‘Fit to Drive’!
The confirmation I received from Herts Ability consisted of a very comprehensive report; a copy of which was sent with my existing driving licence to the DVLA for my new disabled adapted licence to be issued.
I cannot thank or recommend Herts Ability enough! Please seek them out if you have suffered from peripheral neuropathy or other debilitating medical issues.
Gaining my independence behind the wheel was a positive, life-changing event, and it was all done in a very friendly, professional and confidence-building way.
Thank you and to you all for getting me back on the road again!”
Positive feedback can make a huge difference to the hardworking staff of Herts Ability! The experiences of those using our services help shape our efforts to improve, which is why your feedback really matters! Head here for more client testimonials and information on our driving services!
