The story of Adele Wilson-Hope and her daughter Bella highlights the devastating impact of Covid-19 beyond the immediate health crisis. Bella, a previously healthy teenager, faced life-altering challenges after contracting the virus, leading to a brain injury that transformed her life and her family's dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Bella contracted Covid-19 at 17, leading to severe health complications.
- She was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis, causing significant cognitive and physical challenges.
- The family struggled to find suitable educational support for Bella post-diagnosis.
- A local charity, Matrix Neurological, provided tailored educational resources.
- A new specialized school for children with brain injuries is set to open, offering hope for Bella and others.
The Onset of a Life-Changing Condition
Adele Wilson-Hope, a mother from Ingleby Barwick, Stockton, recounts how her daughter Bella was perfectly healthy until she contracted Covid-19 in July 2022. The virus triggered a series of health issues that escalated over the next ten months. Bella's condition deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
Adele described the rapid changes in Bella's health: "She was exhausted, she'd have periods of being really confused, she developed facial paralysis, double vision, and then ultimately in March 2023, she lost her ability to swallow." The transformation was so profound that Adele felt as if someone had stolen her daughter.
The Struggle for Educational Support
Before her illness, Bella was thriving in her studies, having completed her first year of A-levels. However, after her diagnosis, the family faced significant challenges in securing appropriate educational support. The college was unable to accommodate her needs, and the local council indicated that Bella might not meet the threshold for Special Educational Needs.
Despite her above-average IQ and retention of prior knowledge, Bella struggled to learn new information. In search of help, Adele reached out to Matrix Neurological, a Stockton charity dedicated to supporting children with brain injuries. The organization developed a tailored learning plan that considered Bella's medical appointments and provided family support.
A New Beginning with Specialized Education
Thanks to the support from Matrix Neurological, Bella began to re-engage with learning in a way that suited her unique needs. Adele noted, "It's given her a real sense of being normal. She has been able to re-engage with learning in a way that suits her and it's just brought on her confidence so much."
In a significant development, Matrix Neurological secured £250,000 to establish a specialized school for children with acquired brain injuries. This school, set to open its doors this year, will offer a tailored curriculum and training aimed at helping students regain independence. Jan Rock, the chief executive of Matrix Neurological, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, "This school is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term movement to improve the lives of child brain injury survivors across the area."
Conclusion
The journey of Adele and Bella Wilson-Hope serves as a poignant reminder of the long-term effects of Covid-19. As Bella prepares to attend the new specialized school, there is hope for her future and the futures of many other children facing similar challenges. The community's support and the establishment of dedicated educational resources mark a significant step forward in addressing the needs of brain injury survivors.
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