Hertfordshire man with MS given new lease of life at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre at Stagenhoe, near Hitchin

When Alex Longmore joined the police in 2000, aged 22, it was a dream come true. Yet, his career was sadly cut short when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2009.

Unable to work, Alex was stuck at his Hertfordshire home and experienced a period of depression. His social worker arranged for him to have a respite stay at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Stagenhoe and he never looked back.

Alex says: "When I came to Sue Ryder my depression lifted almost immediately. Interacting with people there was such a big help." 

Stagenhoe, based near Hitchin and Stevenage, provides specialist care for people with a range of neurological conditions such as Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis.

The expert team includes Sue Ryder Nurses, physiotherapists, and healthcare assistants who all work together to support people like Alex to live their lives as fully as possible.    

Alex experienced a long and winding journey to getting his MS diagnosis. He explains, "I was driving and it was like someone had spread Vaseline on my glasses. I could see, but through a fog of blurriness.

"When I got to work, I told the sergeant what had happened. She told me she was signing me off sick and asked if I wanted a lift home or to the hospital, and I said home. I went to sleep, and when I woke up my eyes were still strange. I phoned NHS direct and they said you need to get to A&E. I thought to myself 'things just got real!'" 

He was in hospital for ten days, and had multiple CT and MRI scans, as well as a lumbar puncture, but doctors were unable to work out what was wrong with him. "I was put on IV steroids, and then sent back home. I had a follow up appointment six months later where I was finally given a formal MS diagnosis."

The severity of Alex's MS symptoms meant he had to take early retirement in September 2012, and he found the transition to civilian life incredibly difficult. He says, "Once I had taken my son to school, I was just sat on the sofa all day. My depression got worse, and my mental health was not good."  

Alex was offered respite at Stagenhoe near Hitchin, after social services couldn't work out a way to appropriately adapt his home to his needs. "After I'd been there for a month, social services asked if I'd like to live at Sue Ryder permanently. I spoke to my family, and the next day I was moving in.  

"The first positive straight away was being able to interact with others through activities. Having my own space is amazing; I've got my own computer and internet. It allows me to go to places that I just wouldn't be able to otherwise." 

Alex has been able to continue to pursue his passion for rock and heavy metal music with the help of the dedicated Sue Ryder team. "Staff helped me to get ready to go to Sonosphere festival in 2014. I got to rock out nicely! We also went to a Hayseed Dixie gig locally which was awesome." 

Awards

Marlene Sanchez Gonzalez, Clinical Educator at Stagenhoe, is one of the expert team who care for Alex.

Last year she supported Alex to attend Sue Ryder's internal staff awards, called VIP Awards, after he was invited to be one of the judges. 

Marlene explains: "We were told Alex had been chosen to be part of the panel, and I was asked if I could help him to do the judging. Together we went through the nominations one by one."   

All their hard work was rewarded with an invite to the ceremony itself in Derby.

"Alex loves going out," said Marlene, adding: "So I wanted to check we could attend and support him before telling him.

"We spoke to his physiotherapy team about him sitting in his chair all day. Our Head Physiotherapist did some special work with him, so he could do some exercises in his wheelchair while he was there." 

All the preparations paid off, as both Marlene and Alex had a great time at the event. "We absolutely loved it.

"The venue was amazing, and they were so welcoming. Alex sat on the end of the row so he could talk to lots of new people. He had a wonderful time and is still talking about it now. Seeing Alex chatting, laughing and happy made it all worthwhile for me." 

Nicky Phillips, Service Director at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Stagenhoe says that the charity has been supporting people here in Hertfordshire for many years, providing expert care for those with complex neurological conditions and specialist neurological rehabilitation.

A neurological condition like MS can be life altering for the person involved as well as their loved ones, this is why Sue Ryder tailors its care and support for each individual to live the best life they possibly can. 

Enabling Alex to participate in activities outside of the centre, and to continue to pursue his passion for music are a crucial part of his life here at Stagenhoe.

"I am incredibly proud of the whole team and the expert levels of care they provide to people like Alex," says Nicky with no little pride.  

 To find out how you can support Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Stagenhoe please click here