Determined Charlotte inspires women to never give up

THERE is no such thing as giving up for Charlotte Heath who shared her success story with other women at the St Giles' Women's Day event on Friday.

Charlotte, a paraplegic who arrived at St Giles in May last year unable to stand and with minimal movement in her upper body, has been working out at the remedial gym at St Giles in an attempt to get her life back. Now, through her perseverance, she is able walk again and has movement in her arms and legs.

Charlotte's nightmare began when she went to the doctor with stomach cramps. The doctor couldn't find anything wrong and she was discharged. She sought a second opinion from a doctor at Hillcrest Hospital who immediately admitted her into hospital. Two days later Charlotte found herself in ICU and a day later was placed on life support.

Tests were done and Charlotte was diagnosed with Porphyria, a rare disease that doctors knew little about. She was in hospital on life support for four months and was then moved to Entabeni's rehabilitation centre for three months. She then joined what she called 'the beautiful family' at Saint Giles and has gotten her life back through hard work and determination.

Women at the event not only were inspired by Charlotte's story but also enjoyed the delicious snacks and were each presented with a personalised goodie bag.