Written by his wife, Ally
Shaun is a private person, but I wanted to share a little of our journey because the Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre has made such a difference to our lives.
After a small health scare at 40, Shaun decided to take better care of himself. He gave up smoking, watched his diet, and spent more time doing the things he loved, walking, cycling, sketching, photography, fossil and mushroom hunting, and just being out in nature. He’s a people person, a great cook.
In September 2022, while visiting his daughter who lives in Germany, Shaun woke one morning with what he described as a “dead leg.” We went through the FAST stroke checks together over the phone, and he called emergency services. From there, everything happened so fast, an ambulance, intensive care, a brain haemorrhage diagnosis, and me flying out to Germany. COVID restrictions meant limited access, and his insurance only covered emergency treatment. After 10 difficult days, we arranged for Shaun to be brought home by ambulance across three countries.
Five weeks in hospital followed, then discharge home, where we quickly realised how much our lives had changed. Therapy was limited, and we struggled to find the right kind of neuro rehab. Eventually, a physiotherapist mentioned the Merlin Centre, and that’s where our real recovery journey began.
Shaun worked hard and made great progress, but around six months later, new symptoms appeared — tremors, worsening balance, and vision problems. In March 2023, he was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration (HOD), a rare neurological condition caused by the initial bleed. It means Shaun now spends most of his time in a wheelchair.
The Merlin Centre has been a lifeline, offering hydrotherapy, gym sessions, oxygen therapy, massage, and counselling, all under one roof. Shaun feels safe, supported, and truly seen there — something that’s often missing elsewhere.
At home, we’ve adapted as best we can, installing ramps, grab rails, and an exercise bike he can use from his chair. His pride and joy is his E-trike, which gives him the freedom to get outdoors again.
Life has changed beyond recognition, but we focus on the positives, the good days, the small victories, and the simple joy of being together. Merlin has helped us find strength, hope, and community through everything.
Ally