Kerry's fight for justice

I’d been a children’s nursing student for six months when a friend invited me to a fun day that was raising awareness of kabuki syndrome, a rare genetic condition. I thought it would enhance my learning, so I went along. It was held at a park, and there was an inflatable slide. Unfortunately, I fell from the bottom, landing on the base of my spine. 

I was rushed to hospital, where it became obvious that something was wrong. After treatment, including a couple of weeks of bed rest, I was finally allowed home. But despite physiotherapy, I was feeling more and more tired and the pain was getting worse, rather than improving. I’d suffered a fractured spine and was eventually diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND), which has a range of symptoms including limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, walking difficulties, spasms and twitching. 

I'd worked so hard to get there 

It took me a long time to admit I wouldn’t be able to return to my nursing degree. I’d worked so hard to get there. My eldest daughter had a lot of medical problems when she was born and had to stay in hospital. I saw then how the nurses helped us as parents in every aspect, providing family-centred care, and it inspired me. But back then I didn’t have the confidence.

In 2014, I finally decided to go back to college, do my GCSEs and apply. I wanted to go to Birmingham City University more than anything. I cried when I got an interview and cried again when they offered me a place. I was so happy and proud to be able to go there.

After the accident, the university agreed to delay my return for as long as possible. Although I could see my body was failing me and I wasn’t getting any better, I wasn’t prepared to hand in the towel. I wasn’t mentally able to do it. But because I wouldn’t abandon my course, it created problems getting any benefits and I had to find a way of paying the bills. The university told me about various grants I could get from nursing charities, including the RCN’s Lamplight Support Service. 

Peace of mind

Fortunately, I’d joined the RCN at the induction to my course. I thought it would give me peace of mind just in case I ever needed it. I’m so glad I did. When the advisors at Lamplight heard my story, they suggested I speak to someone at RCN Law. I felt I had nothing to lose. It meant a lot to me that they immediately understood how disabling FND can be. It was a relief someone was listening and I was being heard. 

From the beginning, the lawyers warned me it would be a complex case, but I was confident they had everything in hand. 

It was a relief someone was listening

It took around four-and-a-half years to finally reach a resolution. In the end, it was settled out of court. When everything was finally agreed in April 2021, it felt like a massive cloud had been lifted. I almost couldn’t believe it was over. It has made such a difference to my life. 

Before the accident, I used to be an outdoors type person who was very active, cycling and going to the gym. The financial settlement means I’m able to buy an all-terrain motorised hybrid wheelchair that will help me do normal things I haven’t been able to do in such a long time, for example, going on the beach or camping. It means I’ll have some independence. I can also buy a car that will suit all my family, plus have room for my wheelchair. 

For me, it’s never been about the money, but being able to have the equipment and care I need, as no one knows how the future will pan out. While this makes day-to-day living easier, nothing will ever give me my old life back again. 

RCN Lamplight and RCN Law have both been amazing and I’m so grateful. When I joined the RCN, I never thought for one minute that it would cover all of this. I hope other students realise the value of paying their £10 annual fee. If something unfortunate ever happens, as a member of the RCN you’re looked after.