Five years of Scottish Attainment Challenge

Deputy First Minister John Swinney will deliver a key education speech this week marking the fifth anniversary of the Scottish Attainment Challenge. The speech comes just days after the government was accused of ‘sneaking out’ news of falling exam pass rates. 

The First Minister launched the Scottish Attainment Challenge in February 2015 to help close the poverty-related attainment gap in Scotland. The Attainment Scotland Fund was established to support the Scottish Attainment Challenge in 2015.  This is a £750 million commitment over the course of this parliamentary term.

In his address to headteachers and key education leaders, Mr Swinney will reflect on progress made in closing the attainment gap and provide an update on the forthcoming review of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Mr Swinney will also thank headteachers, practitioners and local authorities for their commitment and innovation in raising attainment.

He said: “As we mark the fifth year of the Scottish Attainment Challenge we must reflect on our journey and look ahead to what we hope to achieve in the coming years.

“Our measures are making a tangible impact and I am proud of the work undertaken by headteachers and others to break down barriers to learning and raise the attainment of children in our schools.

“We have seen 88% of headteachers report improvements in closing the attainment gap directly as a result of our investment and we are seeing increased cohesion and collaboration across local authorities and schools. Pupil Equity Funding is also empowering our Headteachers to make the decisions that directly improve the life chances of our young people.

“We are also seeing steady, incremental gains in attainment across the broad general education. This is in line with the sustainable progress we would expect to see at this stage, according to international experts.

“As the International Council of Education Advisers have set out – Scotland is heading in the right direction but achieving equity and excellence is a long-term task. We now need a period of consolidation and sustainability to ensure that our reforms have the chance to become properly embedded in our education system.”

In his speech Mr Swinney will reflect on progress made since the introduction of the Challenge, including:

  • the latest Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Level (ACEL) data which shows attainment among the most disadvantaged pupils rose in numeracy, reading and writing at P1, P4 and P7
  • feedback from headteachers which shows 88% percent have reported improvements in closing the poverty-related attainment gap as a result of the Scottish Attainment Challenge
  • feedback from headteachers in which 95% have indicated they expect to see further improvements over the next 5 years
  • the latest PISA stats which reported that pupils’ social backgrounds have less of an influence on reading and maths attainment in Scotland than the OECD average

STV Productions is seeking home owners to uncover treasures

Do you have a house to clear out?

And would you like to be part of an exciting new TV show? 

STV Productions is seeking home owners in Edinburgh to uncover treasures

STV Productions is searching for people who are clearing out their homes in and around the Edinburgh area to take part in an exciting new television series, which is being made for Discovery-owned channel, Really, and STV.

The producers of this heart warming show would love to chat to people who are downsizing, emigrating or have inherited a property – or indeed need to clear their house for any other reason.

Fronted by Angus Ashworth, the expert auctioneer will help bring to life the human story of these house clearances at what is often an emotional time. Every clearance can uncover treasures, such as Persian rugs gathering dust in the garage, war medals and wedding crystal forgotten in the loft, even fossils and rare collectables.

Those taking part will then be put in touch with Ryedale Auctioneers where they can decide if they want to go ahead with auction – and they might make a bit of cash along the way!

Every episode will tell stories and celebrate those hidden gems in what is guaranteed to be a surprising and uplifting journey of discovery.

Presenter and Yorkshire auctioneer Angus Ashworth, said: “I’m so delighted to be part of this new series.  Clearing houses is something of a passion but equally I can’t wait to meet new people and hear their stories as we explore the contents of the houses, hopefully unearthing some hidden gems.

“It’s amazing what treasures can be found in amongst the clutter or hiding in an attic.  If they’re there, we’ll find them.

“It’s a privilege to be invited into people’s homes and I’m sure there are lots of people out there who need help with a clearance – so please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you and have a chat.”

If you’d like to take part in this new series get in touch with takepart@clearout.tv or call 0141 300 3214 for an initial chat.

Newhaven’s newest brasserie offers exclusive discount for locals

AN EXCLUSIVE offer is set to put a Newhaven restaurant on the map as it welcomes in the neighbouring community after a successful launch.

Locals are in for a treat as Pier Brasserie will be giving 10% off the total bill to anyone who can prove that they are a resident in the EH5 and EH6 postcode area until 31 March.

Pier Brasserie’s visionary Mark Patonyi, one of the city’s most esteemed restaurant managers, overseen a £100,000+ transformation at the iconic site overlooking Newhaven Pier – a location fast becoming one of Edinburgh’s foodie destinations.

The promotion comes after a popular launch in February which saw VIP guests, influencers and journalists enjoy canapés, cocktails and live cooking demonstrations from Executive Chef Vladimir Garcik, formerly of Edinburgh’s Steak restaurant.

36-year-old owner, Mark Patonyi said: “It’s been a busy few weeks at Pier Brasserie since opening, although I have had very little sleep, I have loved every second of the process and it’s amazing to have finally opened our doors to guests, after what has been a long transformational project.

“To kick-start our opening we’re offering 10% off the bill to locals with the EH5 and EH6 postcode as our way of giving something back to the local community who have been so welcoming in our first few weeks.

“We hope our bar and grill can soon become a local gem in the community, for families, date-night drinks, and lovers of fine beers. We want to provide a welcoming spot for all, from vegans and vegetarians, to seafood lovers and steak aficionados.

“We are really lucky to have this striking location which makes for a really serene setting – we have already had our first proposal after only being open for two days which was a roaring success, and of course she said yes!

“Hopefully this discount will encourage more people down to this beautiful part of the city”.

Mark is inspired by the famous Newhaven fishwives that thronged the Pier Place building, which dates back to 1896. Famed for their sharp-tongues and quick wits, they established a strong, vibrant community.

He added: “We’re proud to use the finest Scottish ingredients which have been farmed, caught, raised or bred in Scotland and we’re passionate about supporting businesses in our local area.”

The new spot will fit in excess of 70 covers and has a separate bar area with the design focused around natural tones and exposed materials, creating a warm shelter from which to admire the expansive Forth.

A private dining area will also enable Pier Brasserie to take larger bookings for special occasions and corporate dinners.

For more information about Pier Brasserie or to book online visit: https://www.pierbrasserie.com/ or follow us on Facebook @pierbrasserie and Instagram @pierbrasserie

Home Office imposes sanctions on Edinburgh lab

The Home Office has formally inspected Charles River Laboratories and sanctioned it for violating animal welfare regulations. The action follows a complaint filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

PETA uncovered shocking allegations regarding the extreme suffering and death of rats at the company’s Elphinstone location, near Edinburgh, after being approached by a whistle-blower who worked there.

Because of the severity of the incidents reported, PETA is urging the Home Office to revoke Charles Rivers Laboratories’ licence to experiment on animals.

According to the whistle-blower, the company reportedly crushed approximately 100 to 120 live rats – including pregnant females – in a rubbish compressor and administered the wrong dose of a compound to rats who were used in a cancer experiment.

It allegedly forced other rats to inhale a highly toxic compound in doses that exceeded the agreed maximum – and consequently, one distressed female chewed off an entire toe. More information about the reported welfare violations can be found here.

“Charles River Laboratories apparently can’t be trusted to follow the minimal laws that protect animals in laboratories, and the punishment should fit the crime,” says PETA Science Policy Adviser Dr Julia Baines.

“PETA is calling for the Home Office to revoke the company’s licence to inflict pain, misery, and death on animals immediately and for money to be invested in a new wave of science – one that’s effective, human-relevant, and animal-free.”

The Home Office confirmed that inspections have taken place and that ‘appropriate sanctions’ have been applied.

Charles River Laboratories responded: “The survival rates for major diseases are at an all-time high due in part to the discovery of new medicines and therapies. The use of animal research models remains a vital component of these discoveries and is required by international regulatory agencies.

“We are deeply committed to animal welfare and exceeding international standards for the care of research models under our stewardship. We are committed to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and, when possible, our goal is to reduce the number of animals used.”

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on” – notes that across the UK, millions of animals are locked inside barren laboratory cages, poisoned, burned, cut open, traumatised, and infected with diseases while they suffer from extreme frustration and loneliness.

Few experiments – no matter how painful or irrelevant – are prohibited by law, and almost all animals used in tests are later killed.

PETA supports the use of scientifically and ethically sound methods that better protect humans, animals, and the environment. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.

Sharp rise in DVLA scams

DVLA has revealed a 20% rise in scams reported to their contact centre, with 1,538 reports about suspected vehicle tax scams during the last 3 months of 2019.

DVLA has released pictures of some of the cons being used by scammers to trick motorists into handing over their money.

It comes as new figures show a 20% increase in scams reported to DVLA, with 1,538 reports made to agency in the last three months of 2019.

The reports of suspected web, email, text or social media scams were up from 1,275 in the same period in 2018. DVLA has released the images of recent scams reported to help motorists be aware of what to look out for and issue a clear warning that if something offered online or by text message appears too good to be true, then it almost certainly is.

Scammers are targeting unsuspecting customers with links to services that don’t exist and messages of tax refunds, all of which are fake.

The reports also show that driver and vehicle documents are for sale on the internet. DVLA is advising anyone with concerns about any calls, texts, emails or suspicious activity online, to always report these to the police via Action Fraud immediately.

DVLA chief information security officer David Pope said: “We’ve released examples of real life scams to help motorists understand when a scam is at work. These websites and messages are designed to trick people into believing they can access services that simply don’t exist such as removing penalty points from driving licences.

“All our tax refunds are generated automatically after a motorist has told us they have sold, scrapped or transferred their vehicle to someone else so we don’t ask for anyone to get in touch with us to claim their refund.

“We want to protect the public and if something seems too good to be true, then it almost certainly is. The only trusted source of DVLA information is GOV.UK

“It is also important to remember never to share images on social media that contain personal information, such as your driving licence and vehicle documents.”

A spokesperson for Action Fraud said: “This can be a stressful time of year, sorting out finances for the year ahead. Fraudsters are aware of this and are using different ways to trick people.

“Taking a couple of minutes to familiarise yourself with a few simple online safety tips can be significant in protecting yourself from becoming a victim of online fraud.

“You should always be cautious when sharing personal information online and avoid being scammed by only using GOV.UK for government services online, such as the DVLA.

“If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please report it to us.”

Heading Out!

The Scottish FA has published updated heading guidelines for all age groups from six to 17 years old.

The guidance will be introduced with immediate effect and will provide clubs, coaches, players and parents with clarity on the governing body’s recommended coaching approach to heading in training sessions and in matches.

The Scottish FA recommends no heading practice in children’s football, defined as primary school age, and a graduated approach in youth football, defined as secondary school age.

It comes in light of the study led by the University of Glasgow, published in October  last year, which reveals the first major insights into lifelong health outcomes in former professional footballers.

Although there was no evidence in the study to suggest that heading the ball was the cause to the link with incidence of degenerative neurocognitive disease, the updated heading guidelines have been produced in consultation with UEFA and The English FA to mitigate against any potential future risks being established.

The recommendations will incorporate all children’s and youth football in Scotland and include the following recommendations:

  • Heading should not be introduced in training sessions from the age of six through to 11.
  • Heading should be considered a low coaching priority between the ages of 12 to 15 years however training sessions can be introduced. These should be limited to one session of no more than five headers per week at 13 years, increasing to 10 headers per session at 14 and 15.
  • It is acknowledged that heading will begin to form part of the game at 12 and should be permitted, however, coaches are encouraged to promote a style of play that limits long passing.
  • Heading burden will remain restricted to one training session per week for 16 and 17 year olds and coaches should be mindful of limiting repetitions during that session.

The updated guidelines have been overseen by the Scottish FA Medical Consultant, Dr John MacLean, who co-authored the FIELD study report, in consultation with Andrew Gould, the Scottish FA’s Head of Football Development. It has also been approved by the Scottish FA Board and endorsed by the Non-Professional Game Board.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “While it is important to re-emphasise there is no research to suggest that heading in younger age groups was a contributory factor in the findings of the FIELD study into professional footballers, nevertheless Scottish football has a duty of care to young people, their parents and those responsible for their wellbeing throughout youth football.

“The updated guidelines are designed to help coaches remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football in the earliest years, with a phased introduction at an age group considered most appropriate by our medical experts.

“It is important to reassure that heading is rare in youth football matches but we are clear that the guidelines should mitigate any potential risks. We will also look to monitor and review the guidance as part of our commitment to making the national game a safe and enjoyable environment for young people.

“I would like to thank our colleagues at the English FA for their collaboration in this process and UEFA’s Medical Committee for their guidance.”

Dr John MacLean added: “I am proud that the Scottish FA has taken a positive, proactive and proportionate approach to the findings of the FIELD study. Scottish football has taken a lead on the subject of head injury and trauma in sport, from becoming the first country in the world to produce cross-sport concussion guidelines – If In Doubt, Sit Them Out – to having one of the most advanced medical education programmes in sport.

“Since the publication of the report we have consulted with colleagues on the football and medical sides at The English FA and UEFA and I believe the guidance will help provide reassurance for young players and their parents nationwide.”

Scottish FA Heading Guidelines

Scottish FA Heading Guidelines FAQs

Travelling Gallery launches Spring Tour – Shapes of Water

An exhibition of contemporary art responding to the themes evoked by Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters

Travelling Gallery has announced its Spring 2020 exhibition, Shapes of Water, which tours from 12 March to 19 June across Scotland.

Travelling Gallery, a key event supported by Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, has invited three thought-provoking and exciting young artists to produce new work reflecting their individual perspectives to our relationship with coasts and waters.

The bus – which drives contemporary art to all corners of the country – will feature an exhibition of drawings, riso prints, audio and film work from the three artists when it takes to the road next month.

Its Spring 2020 tour will begin in Edinburgh on 12 March before visiting venues and a range of coastal communities the length and breadth of Scotland until June, including the Borders Art Fair, the Orkney Isles and Aberdeenshire.

Suzie Eggins works across drawing, printmaking and sculpture and uses her imagination as a microscope to examine the cells and structures of our natural environment to create beautiful geometric drawings and installations. For Shapes of Water, Eggins turns her attention to Scotland’s water and explores the idea that our thoughts and emotions can affect our environment.

Amy Gear is a mixed media artist based in Shetland and characteristically uses her Shetland dialect to outline her artistic practice, using local words to describe the coast and landscape. Her drawings and paintings go beyond the traditional ideals of a beautiful landscape and instead explore the connections between body and land.

For Shapes of Water, Amy departs from a piece of writing inspired by her Shetland Grandparents describing the comfort in witnessing steely storms and angry waves; knowing that the unrest will benefit the buoyant sea life. The resulting artwork is a playful and cherished tribute to family and the sea.

Rhona Mühlebach is a Swiss filmmaker based in Glasgow and her films capture the atmospheric Scottish landscape placing intriguing narratives into the natural environment. For Shapes of Water, Mühlebach is making a stylish crime thriller set in Galloway Forest Park and investigating Sudden Oak Death which can be transmitted by rainwater and carried via rivers and streams.

Claire Craig, Curator at the Travelling Gallery, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to commission new work by three exciting young artists, all based in Scotland.

“We can’t wait to go on tour and discuss their artwork with audiences across Scotland as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters.”

Convener of Culture and Communities at the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Donald Wilson, added: “Once again, the Travelling Gallery has devised a fascinating and varied exhibition which I’m sure will appeal across the country.

“As a Council we are committed to making art and culture as accessible as possible to as many people as possible. This is the ethos of the gallery itself and through supporting this mobile gallery, art is brought straight into the hearts of town centres. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to pay the spring exhibition a visit.”

Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Travelling Gallery works to make art more accessible by taking it directly into the heart of communities across Scotland.

“I’m pleased to see this special commission of three artists coming together to produce an exhibition celebrating Scotland’s natural beauty, and I hope it inspires both locals and visitors to join in with the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020.”

Tour dates

Exhibition Launch – Thursday 12th March – Edinburgh

Friday 13th – Saturday 14th March – Borders Art Fair

Tuesday 17th March – Friday 20th March – Scottish Borders with Historic Environment Scotland

Saturday 21st March – Lochwinnoch Festival

Thursday 26th March – Stirling University

Tuesday 31st March – Saturday 4th April – North Lanarkshire

Tuesday 14th April – Thursday 16th April – East Renfrewshire

Tuesday 21st March – Saturday 25th March – Orkney

Wednesday 6th May – Saturday 9th May – Aberdeenshire

Tuesday 12th May – Friday 15th May – Renfrewshire

Saturday 23rd May – Sanquhar

Tuesday 26th May – Friday 29th May – North Ayrshire

Tuesday 16th June – Friday 19th June – South Ayrshire

Year of Coasts and Waters

Scotland’s Coasts and Waters will be showcased throughout 2020 and celebrated with a programme of activity designed to support the nation’s tourism and events sectors.  The year, led by VisitScotland will sustain and build upon the momentum of Scotland’s preceding Themed Years to spotlight, celebrate and promote opportunities to experience and enjoy Scotland’s unrivalled Coasts and Waters, encouraging responsible engagement and participation from the people of Scotland and our visitors.

A year-long programme of events, activities and ideas will shine a spotlight on the impact our waters have had on Scotland, from the formation of beautiful natural features to the creation of our national drink – whisky.

Join the conversation using #YCW2020

Travelling Gallery

Travelling Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in a bus, it is a national service with the exceptional ability to reach communities and people across Scotland. We recognise that art can change lives and we create fair conditions and remove barriers to allow access and engagement to audiences in their own familiar surroundings. The gallery space offers an open and welcoming environment for people of all ages, gender, ethnicity, background, and abilities to discover and enjoy contemporary art.

“If art is for everyone then surely Travelling Gallery is the best example of that.”
Andrew Menzies, driver/guide

Travelling Gallery is a much loved and respected visual arts organisation. 2018 marked its 40th anniversary and we take pride in the fact that Scotland is committed to taking art into its communities. Over the past forty years Travelling Gallery has brought innovative exhibitions to every local authority across Scotland reaching hundreds of thousands of visitors and school pupils. Travelling Gallery is a ‘not for profit’ organisation, regularly funded by Creative Scotland and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council.

To find out more please visit www.travellinggallery.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @travgallery ‏or Instagram @travellinggallery

Artist Biographies

Suzie Eggins lives and works in Edinburgh. She graduated from Moray School of Art in 2018. Recent exhibitions include SSA & VAS Open, Royal Scottish Academy; rock-paper-scissors, Circus Artspace, Inverness; Solo Show at Embassy Gallery, Edinburgh; RSA New Contemporaries, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (all 2019); Print Exchange, Highland Print Studio, Inverness; Many Ways to Be an Ecologist, solo show at Moray Art Centre, Findhorn (all 2018). Residencies include Graduate Residency, Hospitalfield, Arbroath and Artist in Residence, Moray Art Centre (both 2018).

Amy Gear lives and works in Shetland. She graduated with an MA in Printmaking from the Royal College of Art in 2015. Recent solo exhibitions include CLIFF FACE, Shetland Museum; Pebble Problems, Market Gallery (both 2018). Recent group exhibitions include Mooth o da Cave, Look Again Festival, Aberdeen (2018); Annual Exhibition, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (2017); Postgraduate Printmaking, Clifford Chance, London (2016).

Rhona Mühlebach lives and works in Glasgow. Recent exhibitions and screenings include Intermedia Gallery, CCA, Glasgow; The River, the Horse & the Woman, Alchemy Film & Arts, Hawick; Werkschau Thurgau, Kunstraum Kreuzlingen, Switzerland (all 2019); Swiss Art Awards, Kiefer Hablitzel, Art Basel, Switzerland; Bloomberg New Contemporaries, BALTIC, Gateshead; Annuale, Embassy, Edinburgh (all 2017). In 2019 she was commissioned by LUX Scotland and BBC Scotland for BBC’s Now & Next.

Support for pub landlords

A Members Bill which aims to create a fairer environment for pub landlords is to be scrutinised by Holyrood’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee.

The Committee has today issued a call for views on the Tied Pubs Scotland Bill which seeks to strengthen the position of pub tenants through the creation of a Scottish Pubs Code. This proposed legislation would give landlords more of a say in their business while an independent adjudicator would oversee the application of the new code.

The Bill also seeks to improve choice for consumers, by making locally brewed products more accessible in tied pubs.

Committee Deputy Convener, Willie Coffey MSP said: “With around 750 tied pubs in Scotland, we want to know what impact this legislation would have on local businesses and the communities that they are at the heart of.

“We want to hear from pub landlords, tenants and brewers to understand if changes need to be made.”

A copy of the Bill, and its accompanying documents, are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website.

  • What are your views on the Bill overall? Do you think that legislation in this area is necessary?
  • Do you think the Bill achieves its aim of improving the relationship between pub-owning businesses and their tenants?
  • Could the Bill have any impact on investment in the pub sector in Scotland?
  • Should the Scottish Pubs Code apply to all pub owning businesses and tenants in Scotland?
  • Do you have any comments on the role of the Adjudicator?
  • The Policy Memorandum states that the Bill aims to adapt the 2015 Act to Scottish circumstances and to avoid problems experienced in implementing the Act in England and Wales. Do you think the Bill meets these aims?
  • The Bill proposes that tied tenants have the option to apply to their pub owning business for a quote for a „Market rent only‟ (MRO) contract. Do you agree with this proposal and how do you think it would work in practice?
  • The Bill proposes that tenants should have the right to stock at least one guest beer at any time, irrespective of the terms of their contract. What impact would this have?
  • The Bill proposes that the office of Pub Code Adjudicator will be funded through a levy on pub-owning companies in scope of the code. The Financial Memorandum estimates that annual costs for pub-owning businesses will be around £6,000 to £86,700 depending on size. The Committee would welcome any views of these estimates (and the assumptions around the volume of work for the office of the Pub Code Adjudicator) and the funding model.
  • Do you have any other comments on the Bill?

Over 65s – tell us your meningitis story!

LEADING meningitis charity Meningitis Now is after your stories about the disease – if you are over 65-years-old.

As part of a new campaign to better understand the effect of the illness on older people, the charity is keen to hear from anyone in this age group who had meningitis after they turned 65. They also want to hear from the children or even grandchildren of people in this age group if they can tell their stories for them.

It is all part of a new strategy to try and reach as many people in the country as possible who have had the devastating disease and offer ongoing support. While most people usually associate meningitis with babies and students, older adults are also very vulnerable.

According to Meningitis Now CEO Dr Tom Nutt, many people in this age group don’t realise they are at risk from the disease. 

“When you have a baby you are told about meningitis and what to look out for, all the signs and symptoms,” he said.

“And then you get the same message when your children leave home for university or college when again they are in an at-risk group.

“But the third group who are more vulnerable to meningitis often don’t even know they are at risk – and that’s older adults.

“We realise that people in this age group are already having to deal with an increasing risk of different illnesses so we are just one of many – which makes it hard to get the message out.

“But meningitis can hit so fast and be so devastating we really believe it is worth older people, as well as their relatives and carers, being aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and seeking urgent medical advice if concerned.”

As well as wanting older people to be aware about how the disease might affect them, Dr Nutt said Meningitis Now was keen to understand how the charity could best support them.

“We are looking for ways to reach more people who are affected by the disease so that we can offer them our support,” he said.

“As well as talking to them about the after-effects of meningitis we have lots of ways we can help them including with funds for things like therapies and specialist equipment.

“So, if you or anyone you know is in this age group and have had meningitis please get in touch and tell us your story – we would love to hear from you and we would also love to offer you our support.”

To share your meningitis story with Meningitis Now and help improve the charity’s support to older people please visit the website here: https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/news-centre/share-your-story/

Case Study

Barbara O’Meara, 75, thought she had caught a cold when she first started to feel ill aged 71 but what happened next was the start of a very scary journey. Her daughter, Lucy O’Meara, from Grimsby, told her story to Meningitis Now:

“We had been away on holiday and my partner and I got engaged. I rang my mother to tell her the news, she sounded very croaky on the phone but said she just had the start of a cold. I told her to rest up, and we exchanged texts. Everything seemed okay.

“Two days later we arrived home and that evening my mother’s friend rang to tell me she had been admitted to intensive care with a suspected stroke. Hospital was 1.5 hours away from our home, so we drove off after receiving the news at about 10pm.

“When we got to intensive care at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire, my mum was unresponsive apart from a few coughs and groans. We hadn’t been told it may be meningitis and I spent hours resting my head next to her on her pillow, hugging and talking to her.

“My brother arrived in the early hours from Bristol and the doctors then came to talk to us. They told us it was meningitis and the chances of her surviving were very low. That morning she was intubated and put into a coma. The next day there were no improvements, but she bit through her breathing tube so she had a tracheostomy fitted.

“Doctors tried to wake her but had no success – we were then told the likelihood was she would not survive and at best may be in a vegetative state for the rest of her life. A week and a half went by, and they managed to wake my mum. After two says she started to speak. The first thing she was look at my engagement ring and grin.

“Mum was moved on to a general ward where she suffered with hallucinations at night and was extremely distressed. She had to learn to walk again. Mum has been left completely deaf in one ear, but continues to live independently on her own. She works two days a week in a charity shop and is an inspiration to everyone who knows her.

“Mum has always led a healthy, active lifestyle and even now continues to walk her dog for miles every day. She never expected anything like this to ever happen to her”.