Surgery on a brain tumour

At the age of 18, Chelsea Marriott had just given birth to a beautiful baby daughter Ruby and had the rest of her life ahead of her. That all changed just a month later when Chelsea found herself in hospital undergoing surgery on a brain tumour.

“I had just moved back in with parents after having Ruby and I told mum I was having headaches but other than that, there were no other signs,” recalls Chelsea.

This all happened in 2019 and despite undergoing chemotherapy and having a shunt inserted in her brain, this life-changing moment has left Chelsea with epilepsy.

She has a type of epilepsy which can cause vacant seizures, which involves a brief loss of awareness which can, and has, led to falls.

Chelsea receives fantastic support from her parents, but Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield were also engaged to help to provide them with some respite and ensure Chelsea can get as much community access as possible.

We visit Chelsea 3-4 times a week and our Support Workers either take her out into the community on her own or with Ruby. This includes shopping, visiting play areas and eating in restaurants. We also help to pick little Ruby up from school.

Our Support Workers are trained to recognise Chelsea’s vacant seizures and, on several occasions, have been able to act quickly to prevent her falling to the ground and potentially causing even greater injury.

Chelsea says: “We were in a McDonalds once with Ruby and my Support Worker spotted I was having a seizure and managed to catch me before I fell.

“That’s why I value having them around because with them, and the amazing support of my parents, it means I can continue to do things that people of my age should be doing.

“But they have become more than just my Support Workers, I look on them as friends now and I appreciate everything they do for me.”

Chelsea is a fantastic mum to Ruby and Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield is proud to be able to support her in her journey.