Back in the game
Playing football and seeing friends had been Eli Tanner’s life, until a day out last summer left him in a wheelchair and learning to walk again. Amy Rutland met Eli to find out what it took to get back on his feet and scoring goals again.
I had been like any other summer weekend for 15-year-old Eli Tanner, who was enjoying the sunshine with his friends in Canterbury city centre, when all of a sudden, he collapsed.
After spending 11 days in William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Eli returned home with a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder.
The condition affects how signals from the brain are being sent and received by the nervous system, to allow your body to function in the normal way. Common symptoms include arm and leg weakness, and seizures.
His collapse left Eli, a talented footballer, with paralysis down his right-hand side. He suffered mobility, sight, hearing and memory loss. Having to use a wheelchair, Eli faced a long journey of rehabilitation to get back to scoring goals and his beloved football.
Eli said: “My life changed overnight. It was really scary being in hospital, but they looked after me really well. My friends, family and girlfriend still came to see me all the time.”
Once home, Eli was referred to our Children’s Therapies Service, where he met physiotherapist, Jeffrey Appiah.
The Children’s Therapies Service provides specialist therapy to children and young people in a range of areas. The team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, specialist nurse advisors, key workers and assistants.
Eli, who is a striker for Herne Bay Football Club’s youth team, said: “Despite everything that happened, I knew I had to get better. I wasn’t going to let this stop me doing the things I love. Being well enough to start my physiotherapy was a turning point to getting my life back.
“Jeffrey set me small milestones each week – first it was to stand up, then it was to take some small steps and then walk. It felt really good when I was able to take my first steps using the parallel bars for support.
“Four months later, I was able to return to football training with my friends and it’s all thanks to Jeffrey’s support. He has been great, encouraging me and making me believe in myself. He has been a key part of my recovery. I wouldn’t be where I am now without him.”
Jeffrey, who has been a physiotherapist for four years, said: “When I first met Eli he was very frustrated but determined to get better.
“Eli loves playing sport and football, so I made sure his exercises would help him reach his goals. It’s great to see him playing and training again with his team, it’s a real testament to his commitment and motivation for his recovery.”
So, what does Eli hope for the future? He explains: “I’m not going to let this diagnosis stop me. I can’t wait to play my first match back with the team, scoring goals and having fun.
”This year has been really tough, but I will get better and back on the football pitch. I still have seizures and will be on medication for life, but it’s something I will learn to live with and not let hold me back.
“Thanks to everyone in the NHS who has helped me every step along the way.”
Find out more, including how to refer, on our website: www.kentcht.nhs.uk/KentChildrensTherapies
