HAVING a baby should be one of the happiest days in a woman’s life.
But for Hannah Walker, the birth of her second child was followed by the devastating news she was suffering from a spinal tumour.
The 31-year-old was just 22 when she became paralysed from the chest down.
Her new baby Oliver was only nine months old and her eldest son Cameron just three when she learned she would never walk again.
But despite spending the rest of her life in a wheelchair, the mum-of-two never complains, according to her friend Liz Blezard.
Liz nominated Hannah for a festive treat as part of the Christmas Wish campaign – organised by the Examiner and Huddersfield Pendragon Round Table.
Now Hannah and her family will get to enjoy a Christmas Day meal out including transport thanks to the Round Table.
Liz, of Netherton, said: “Hannah always puts herself last but it would be lovely for her to be first for once.
“She is wheelchair bound but she copes extremely well and never complains.
“At just 31 years of age, she’s an inspiration to us all.”
Hannah, of Leas Avenue, Netherthong lives with her partner Tony Atkinson and two sons – now nine and 12.
She has a positive outlook on life, but it hasn’t always been that way.
The mum-of-two had only just given birth by Caesarean when doctors discovered there was a non-cancerous tumour growing in her spine.
She said: “I had a spinal anaesthetic but the next day I couldn’t move my legs.
“They gave me an MRI scan and it showed a tumour.
“They said it had to be removed and there would be a minimal risk of paralysis.
“I was fine afterwards and I even got back on my feet and started to walk again.
“But I kept losing my balance, having accidents and losing sensation in my legs.
“Another MRI scan, showed there was a cavity which had a collection of fluid in it. It had corroded my spine. That’s what caused my paralysis.
“It was difficult for a few years but I just had to get on with it.
“It’s a lot easier now the children are older.”
After splitting from her sons’ father, Hannah went to live with her mother.
Her illness left her bed-ridden for two years and caused her to develop pressure sores.
She admits it was a hard time as she struggled to cope with her condition whilst raising two children.
“It seems like such a long time ago now,” she said.
“Day-to-day things like getting the kids bathed and dressed were hard.
“The children didn’t know any different though and my youngest actually thought everyone’s mum was in a wheelchair.”
Now happy with her new partner Tony, Hannah was delighted to hear she had been chosen to receive a Christmas Wish.
She said: “I was really shocked when I heard, I couldn’t take it in.
“It means being able to enjoy a really nice relaxing day. It will be lovely.”
The family will be treated to a Christmas Day meal at the Golden Cock, Farnley Tyas.
It’s all been made possible thanks to the Pendragon Round Table, which is a registered charitable trust.
They are always looking for new members to have fun and support the community.
If you’re aged between 18 and 45 and would like to learn about Huddersfield Pendragon Round Table or the Ladies Circle call membership officer David Pearson on 07971 207124 or visit www.pendragon843.org.uk
