7 years ago Ophelia was unexpectedly paralysed out of nowhere for 8 weeks, She was told She would never walk again. At this point she was playing netball everyday, dancing 6 times a week and studying my a levels, it was a very stressful time...but with extreme physiotherapy and help from friends and family she learnt to walk and ultimately play sports again.
Ophelia then went to university and while she was there the same unexpected paralysis happened again, still no diagnosis and because of her practical course her lecturers thought she should postpone for a year so she didn't fall too far behind, but again she persevered and went back playing sports and doing what she loved. In the space of 4 years Ophelia experienced crippling back pain that doctors told her was all in her head and over 10 episodes of paralysis that doctors were convinced was due to stress.
Shortly after graduating university and a 4 year battle with the medical system Ophelia FINALLY received a diagnosis. Functional neurological disorder and chronic back pain. A chronic incurable and degenerate illness attacking the neurological system. During the 9 and a half week alongside having to learn to walk again; She battled a number of severe viral infections, the last attacking her lungs and resulting in her being in respiratory isolation.
She has faced the extreme adversity, she defeated the odds stacked against her time after time. The doctors gave up looking for an answer but Ophelia NEVER gave up on herself.
In spite of everything she still train and play netball with the same commitment and dedication She have for the last 18 and a half years. During the almost two decades of her sporting career, Ophelia has taken to national and international sporting stages, received recognition from various sporting bodies.
Since her diagnosis I has acquire a BA in Acting an MEd in Behaviour Management and a PGCE in Secondary Physical Education. Prior to the pandemic she was a behaviour management specialist and dedicated her career to fighting for young people to stay in education. Mentoring them and providing them with in depth one to one training sessions. Inspiring them to believe in themselves. Ophelia has delivered inspirational workshops and talks detailing how she coped with her condition and encouraging people to be resilient and find their strength. Her aim is to open a vocational academy for gifted and talented young females in the juvenile justice system.
Only about 15 in every 100,000 have Functional Neurological Disorder
