Mum!

Today has been a difficult day. I went to QA Hospital early this morning to see how my Mother was. She has been a patient for a good few weeks now, after being admitted for ongoing health problems. This was the first time I had seen her in a week and she wasn't looking well at all. At the moment she is dozing in and out of sleep and although she is lucid at times, having conversations, looking at photographs and videos on my phone, she is for the most part resting as best she can. She has been holding my hand, so at least she knows someone is there.

Despite her condition, I am very hopeful she will recover fully and be back to her old self soon. When you have suffered as much as my Mum, you are well entitled to have a rest and let others take the strain for a while. I am glad she is in QA, this state of the art, new Portsmouth Hospital; I know she is in capable hands.

The Doctors and nurses are of course exceptional; we are very lucky to have our NHS and these dedicated individuals are an amazing bunch of people, who have spent a lifetime looking after those in greatest need.

Coming back to the UK, during this stressful time, has been an eye opener, especially in the health sense. I have realised just how special our health service is. We complain about it, but it really is streets ahead of any other I have experienced. Don't get me wrong, the Spanish system is one of the best in the World, but for personal care, Britain wins hands down.

The next few weeks will be crucial for Mum; she is a fighter and with the love and support of her family, she will pull through this difficult time. I'm not going anywhere, I am staying put until she is fully recovered and can once again be home where she belongs!