I retired early because I was very ill and did not wish to return to a hectic job once I was better.
On July 21st, 2003, Phil went off to work and I went into the bedroom to get dressed. Some while later, I woke up on the floor, partially dressed, and lying in a pool of vomit. I have no idea for how long I was unconcious. I crawled up on to the bed, feeling awful.
When I was no better the next day, Emma took me to the doctor and from there, to Hereford County Hospital. I had several tests and then was told that I was lucky to be alive as I had suffered a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage! The following day, I was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where I underwent an operation on July 26th.
I recovered well, but was weak for some time, having to use a wheelchair for the first couple of weeks. I could not think properly and just did not relish the idea of returning to a very demanding job, where I would need all my faculties working well!
In the November, I went to see my headmaster, who wanted to change the timetable to accommodate my wishes to return - part-time, full-time, one day a week, three mornings, or whatever I wished. I explained that I really couldn't face going back to school at all and handed him my letter of resignation.
In the December, Phil and I visited friends in Llandudno. This photo of me shows how short my hair was. I had to be shaved before my operation and this is what I looked like five months later!
While I was ill my job had been covered by a parent who was also a qualified French teacher, but was unable to continue after the Easter. The previous year, I had a student, Claire, working with me, and she was offered the full-time post.