In April 2020, my life took an unexpected turn when I tested positive for COVID-19. What followed was a series of further health complications that required me to spend a total of 13 months in hospital.
On the 29th of April 2021, I was finally discharged and returned home. While this marked the end of my hospital stay, it was just the beginning of a long and challenging road to recovery.
Through determination and perseverance, I achieved a significant milestone in October 2022, when I returned to work as an occupational therapist.
Most of the pictures here were taken by my husband, Anthony Booth Gardiner, who documented our journey as a way to capture the strength, resilience, and hope that carried us through this challenging time.
This plaque serves as a reminder of the courage it took to navigate this journey and the love and support that made it possible.
April 2020 – After feeling unwell at work, and with symptoms getting worse, an ambulance was called. We were a few weeks into the first lockdown, so I had to travel to hospital alone.
In A&E, I tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted. What followed is a confusing memory, but I spent around five months in and out of ITU, both at James Cook Hospital and the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, before being stable enough to start rehabilitation.
Due to muscle wastage and the damage done, I had to relearn how to control my body again.
12th September 2020 – What should have been our wedding day. Instead, I was on a medical ward, waiting for a space in neuro rehab.
Visiting was still restricted, but we made the most of the day.
October 2020 – April 2021 – As my hair grew back, so did my strength, both physically and psychologically.
29th April 2021 – Discharged home after 13 months
30th May 2021
Sunday morning routine sorting medication, and sickness.
1st June 2021
Enjoying the sun in the garden and trying, write a blog post.
2nd June 2021
Afternoon in the garden seeing a friend and having blood taken. Fallowed by massage and exercise.
3rd June 2021
Washing hair with shower cap in bed. I have no access to the bathroom.
8th June 2021
Anthony having to sleep alone due to Rachel being readmitted to Hospital.
20th June 2021
Exercising in bed and nap.
21st June 2021
Washing, cleansing and moisturising face.
23rd June 2021
Community physio session at home.
27th June 2021
Baby sitting and a little exercise helper.
30th June 2021
Getting ready to go out for mums birthday.
#BoothGardinerHoliday and #HomeStaycationInAVan
2nd – 11th July 2021 - We had a family holiday booked but decided to postpone, however kept the wheelchair accessible van so we could do some family day trips. (Good job I have a strong bladder).
3th July 2021
Lateral Flow Test – Negative
4th July 2021
Wynyard Hall Gardens.
5th July 2021
Family outing at Hollywood Bowl and getting back in the van.
6th July 2021
Neuro Physio session – using a standing hoist for the first time, although I could not get my right heal to touch the floor.
July 7th 2021
Beach Hut at Saltburn by the Sea
8th July 2021
Thorp Perrow Bedale, which unfortunately, despite the website saying it was accessible, most of the paths where gravel, it was very hard to move the wheelchair on, I found the bumpy ride coursed a lot of back pain. (The picture below of me looking at the camera, shows me laying my head on a table to try and stretch the back, and relief some pain)
11th July 2021
Last day with the van visiting Family in Hudleswell Richmond
The #HomeStayCationInAvan is over back to the reality and rehabilitation
15th July 2021
At home still requiring hoisting. Later a visit from Middlesbroughs Mayor to discuss improving accessibility in Middlesbrough.
17th July 2021
My Birthday, we had a bbq in the garden. A few weeks ago my niece, whilst wearing a Disney Bell dress asked which princess I was, we discussed not knowing any princess’ in pop culture that were wheelchair users. Lyra responded ‘we’ll make one up’. I reached out to good friend and local artist who designed the picture I’m holding below. this princess don’t really like the title and prefers to just be called Ally, with her Trusty personal assistant Ballon the dinosaur, there are many adventures, ahead. Watch this space.
4th August 2021
Its ok to not be ok, as they say, the last few weeks have been hard, everything feels to much, my recovery feels like it’s stuck. As a way of getting out of this rut, we contacted The Glamours Owl Newcastle. Where we had planned to make our wedding rings last year, they come fit us in after a hospital appointment at the freeman. Claire the own when out of her way to make it special for us. focusing on the future helps my mood.
5th August 2021
My second hydro session, being in the water is life changing.
15th August 2021
The Shambles York
18th August 2021
After another hospital visit, this time a pre assessment for gallbladder removal operation. only four attempts to get blood out of me.
22nd August 2021
Trip to Preston Hall the first time using the electric wheelchair after a incident using it in hospital. Scary but felt great.
22nd September 2021
Creative time with Lyra,
29th September 2021
I have been working with both a Community Physio and seeing a Neuro Physio privately, I can now stand with assistants of two, and remain standing for a short period of time, but putting weight through my right leg is very challenging. Sometimes the effort is to much today, I had a controlled drop to the floor as my legs gave way, and needed to be hoisted up from the floor, these things will happen. I’m not going to let it put me off, but I think its important to show the reality of rehab. It’s not all win win there are always set backs.
7th Oct 2021
Our wedding was originally planned for 12th September 2020, but due to my time in hospital, we had to postpone it. After I was discharged, we realised that what mattered most was simply being married and celebrating our love.
With that in mind, we quietly planned an intimate ceremony, inviting only our close family and three of my dearest friends, who had been an incredible source of support for both of us during my hospital stay.
The day was filled with love, joy, and gratitude—it was truly the best day of our lives.
26th November 2021
I had the honour of sharing my lived experiences with an audience of occupational therapists at the National Occupational Therapy Show, held at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. It was a meaningful opportunity to inspire and connect with fellow professionals, highlighting the importance of personal stories in shaping the future of our practice.
12th March 2022
I was back in hospital for another operation, but this time, thankfully, it was a much shorter stay. Each step of the journey brought me closer to recovery and renewed strength.
17th July 2022
A milestone celebration—my 40th birthday. This day was filled with gratitude, reflection, and joy as I looked back on the challenges I had overcome and celebrated the strength, love, and support that had carried me through.
However, it was also a moment to acknowledge the ongoing struggles I still faced. The bruises on my legs told the story of past falls and the lasting effects of my journey, serving as a reminder of the resilience it took to keep moving forward. This birthday marked not just another year, but a new chapter in my recovery and growth.
11th September 2022
Today, I ventured into the River Tees for a new experience—wild swimming. All the hard work during my hydrotherapy sessions had paid off, giving me the confidence and strength to embrace this challenge. It was an exhilarating and rewarding moment, reminding me of how far I had come in my journey.
22nd September 2022
A significant milestone in my recovery—walking into my hydrotherapy session with sticks. This moment symbolised progress, determination,
17th October 2022
After another year of rehabilitation and several operations, I finally reached a point where I was fit enough to return to full-time work, although using a wheelchair, which hold a new set of challeges.
This photo is a selfie taken on my first day back, proudly wearing my NHS lanyard—a symbol of resilience, determination, and my journey back to doing what I love.
