I like walking in the countryside, swimming and snorkelling, and I do some aqua- fit. I enjoy singing but am not very good at it, and I love dancing to latin music! Together with my husband I go to local classical music performances.

I also enjoy painting. My first therapeutic painting experience was at a seminar in Switzerland just before my stroke.


After my stroke I met Michael Barnell. He was a visiting anthroposophical art therapist at Pennine Camphill Community and I was fortunate to have his guidance at that particular moment in my life. Michael understood my needs and he helped my healing process in a very special way. He also encouraged me to use my weak hand. Two years ago I won my first ever prize although I had never painted before. I now attend an art course at my local college. It was at Camphill "Riding for the Disabled" I med The Royal Princess in 1999. She told me how much she had enjoyed visiting my home country Ecuador; the only words I could find .. "you must go again!".

My happiness now is to help aphasic friends, their families and carers through Glos-Speak self-help group. I am very positive and have great faith. My aim is to use my knowledge and help people with communication disabilities, especially as I hope to have many years left to retirement.