After a life-changing injury in an unfamiliar place, Myles has shown remarkable strength to rebuild his life. He speaks to us about overcoming an immense challenge, his move to Te Ō and the support of Community Support Worker, Imogen.
“I first came from Ireland to Christchurch in 2005. Last year, the company I was working for as a kitchen manager transferred me to Wellington. My move here was a really enjoyable time, and I thought the city was super cool.”
A few months in, I did something to my foot, and because I have diabetes and can have a pretty bad immune system, it quickly got worse. I went into hospital, thinking I’d be back to work in a couple of weeks and everything would be grand. But four days later, my leg was amputated.”
I stayed in hospital for three months, but I didn’t have anywhere to go afterwards. I’d been living in a flat on the third storey, and I didn’t have any friends or family in Wellington, so I was thankful to be placed in emergency housing accommodation in Upper Hutt. Initially it was just good to be out of hospital, but it was also very isolating because it took me far away from anybody I had met.”
Living in emergency housing and being in a wheelchair got pretty depressing for me, and there was a lot going on in my mind. I didn’t know what my future would look like. I wasn’t sure if I would ever be strong enough to get back to work, and if I should go back to Christchurch or even Ireland. I did have family and friends messaging me which was nice, but it was also pretty overwhelming because they were so far away.”
I was in emergency housing for a few months when my nurse brought me in for a meeting with the Mission.”
I was shown around Te Ō, and I was excited to move in. The whole place felt like a big move forward, and the staff have been the biggest thing. Imogen has been a real support. She’s helped me deal with everything that’s turned out to be tricky, like setting up a new doctor and getting onto the right benefit so I could get back on track. She even got a microwave for my apartment. One big thing was also getting to shop at the Social Supermarket. I had very little money, so I’d do a shop there once a month when I couldn’t afford food.”
My goal has always been to get back to work, and my company has been really good. They told me they would keep my job open if I was able to come back.”
I initially thought that when I got my leg, I’d just click it on and be good to go, but it didn’t quite work like that. It took a while to rebuild the muscles, and I slowly worked up to standing still on it. Then one day I was cooking dinner, and I thought I’d just try to take a step. I took two steps and I couldn’t believe it. I actually got pretty emotional because I hadn’t walked for a really long time.”
It’s been a year now since the operation. I’m walking without a cane, and I’ve started working two days a week. I’ve also got two cats, Luna and Murphy, and honestly they’ve been a huge help for my mood. I have purpose again, and I’m aiming to go full-time at work and get back to a normal life. It’s still hard to get by at the moment, so I really appreciate the support I have at Te Ō. I know that whatever happens, I’ll have this place. And if something does go wrong I can always talk to Imogen, or do a shop at the Social Supermarket. I’ve just got myself to depend on, so having that sense of security is huge.”
I actually don’t know where I’d be now without all the help I’ve had from the Mission. Everyone here knows me by name, and it’s such a nice environment to be in when you’re going through something difficult. It feels like I have a home and community for the first time in a while, and after the year I’ve had I definitely now have a much more positive outlook for the future.”
Community Support Worker, Imogen, talks about Myles’ incredible progress since moving to Te Ō:
“Having Myles at Te Ō has been such a success. Looking back at when we first met, Myles is a completely different person. It sounds a bit cheesy, but he’s really got his spark back! It’s been such a privilege for us to see his hard work and the progress he’s made, and to know that we can be here to help through any challenges that come up in the future too.”
