Inspirational

BACK to form . . . Jane Procter has regained her confidence after over coming a difficult patch in her life

JANE Procter smiles broadly as she chats about getting engaged, house hunting, her pet dog, cooking, holidays in Turkey and clubbing.

Everyday stuff for most people, but a decade ago ago none of them would have been possible for the 41-year-old classroom assistant from Diggle.

Her life was turned upside down in 1996 when she suffered a stroke while on holiday in Gran Canaria with son Ben, who has learning difficulties, and a friend.

This left her paralysed on her left side, affected her vision, speech, memory and cognitive understanding — and caused epilepsy.

Unable to walk, dress herself, tell the time, understand money or make a decision for herself, the former lifeguard spent the next seven years in rehab. Parents Dylis and Denis looked after Jane and also took over caring for Ben, the well-known Oldham swimmer who is training for the 2012 Paralympics.

“I never thought I would have a proper life again. I never thought about having a relationship. I thought I would be on my own or with my mum and dad,” said Jane, who lost her confidence.

“I had been a life guard and swimming tutor for 13 years and I made a lot of friends at work. When I had my stroke — they all disappeared.”

But Jane’s life was turned around when her mum took her to Oldham College in 2003 to see if it could help her to socialise, communicate with others and develop her independence.

Its education support unit works with people with learning and physical difficulties, dyslexia, mental health problems, challenging behaviour and autism. As well as offering four courses — essential skills, independent living skills, work preparation skills and personal progression thorough practical work skills.

Jane started with independent living skills, which covers areas such as cookery, money management, problem solving and timekeeping, but admitted she was nervous at first. “I didn’t know where to put myself. With my age as well, I felt like I was too old. But I wanted to come to college to learn, to meet people, to socialise.”

Jane moved on to practical work skills which found her a supported work placement at the Co-op in Delph.

But while she enjoyed that, she loved the placement as classroom assistant at Burnley Brow Primary School which followed.

“I enjoyed the Co-op, but it was not my thing. I wanted to work with children.”

Engaged for 12 months, Jane now has her own home, but is looking to move house to be closer to work, and has joined a local drama group.

Her achievements earned her the Oldham Education Trust prize at Oldham College’s recent awards night and she has now been nominated for a national Adult Learner’s Award.

Jane is now considering whether to do a health and social care diploma or try to secure a permanent position at Burnley Brow.

Gill Gilling, curriculum manager for learning difficulties and disabilities, described Jane as one in a million.

She added: “She’s inspirational and I don’t think she realises how far she has come.”