QA patient completes abseil using only one arm, just four years after devastating bleed in brain
An inspirational QA patient, who was given only a 20 per cent chance of survival after suffering a devastating bleed in the brain four years ago, has completed an abseil down the Spinnaker Tower – despite only having the use of one arm.
Janice Dugan was just 48 when she suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage in 2012 which left her in an induced coma and fighting for her life.
The mum-of-three defied the odds to pull through, and subsequently spent three months in QA. Since then she has been on the road to recovery and has been supported along the way by charity Headway.
She took on the challenge on Sunday (July 31) to raise money for the brain injury charity.
Janice, from Gosport, said: “It has been a long journey and completing an abseil was a massive personal goal for me.
“I used to be afraid of heights, but I don’t feel afraid of anything anymore- life is too short.
“I absolutely loved doing the abseil. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it on my own, as I only have the use of one arm, but it was great taking it on by myself, although it took me a little bit longer than it does for most people.
“It was emotional. My family and friends were in tears by the time I got to the bottom, but they were tears of joy.
“I’m really glad that I did it, it is a big achievement for me.”
Her husband Bill said: “I’m so proud of her. To think about how she was four years ago, and to see her now, taking on an abseil, is amazing.
“I was told to prepare for the worst at one stage, and when she was brought out of the coma, she wasn’t the same woman. She couldn’t even recognise our children.
“If someone had told me back then that she would get to a point where she would be doing an abseil I would not have believed them.
“She’s an inspiration.”
Janice has so far raised around £700 for the charity. To make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Janice-dugan
