Taking life one day at a time
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VIC Washby could have months to live or he could have decades but all he can do is take it one day at a time.

He has the same disease as scientist Stephen Hawking - motor neurone disease.

The 42-year-old said: "I just try and think about things short term and make the most of things because long-term, there's no light at the end of the tunnel."

The former Widnes firefighter has spent five years battling the disease, which included a trip to a stem cell specialist in China.

His life has completely changed. He rescued people from fires. Today, if he has an itchy head, he has to call someone to scratch it for him.

"Ideally I would like to have some sort of cure but at the moment there doesn't seem to be on," said Vic, who lives with 38-year-old schoolteacher wife Katrina in Appleton.

Vic could not be luckier in one fundamental way. His family are tremendously supportive; his wife is his little rock'. His former workmates and friends help out to ease the family's workload.

And he has packed plenty into the past few years - scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef and cycling across the Alps.

He said: "I would hate to have this disease on my own."

Vic was working on light duties at Widnes fire safety centre until August but today can only move the upper part of each of his limbs.

To scratch his nose he has to lurch forward in his motorised wheelchair then rub his nose against his hand, and his breathing is more laboured.

But his sense of touch is heightened and he is more aware than ever of his surroundings - he notices people, and picks up more on how they are feeling.

Vic has one day a week respite care including Physio at St Roccos Hospice in Bewsey.

Coming to a hospice for the first time was daunting. A glimpse into the future. But he enjoys the banter with staff and patients and remembers not everyone who has to come to a hospice passes away.

If he had a day of full fitness again he would enjoy bike ride- he is keenly following the Tour De France - then a Ju-Jitsu sessions, in which he is a 2nd Dan black belt.

He would then enjoy time with his family and children Christopher, aged 9, and Nadia, aged 8, both Appleton Thorn Primary pupils.

Vic said: "I do get a bit jealous and frustrated at not being able to play football with my boy or throw my little girl up in the air.

"We don't talk about the disease much at home. If the kids ask questions I try and give them a direct, honest answer without upsetting them."

But because he can't move much he is prone to the ailments of the elderly - painful swollen feet and a susceptibility to the cold.

His wife has urged him to write a book about his experiences but he wants to write about the problems of being a wheelchair user, and people's lack of consideration.

He ran over an American tourist who insisted on climbing across his legs and deliveries of new wheelchair equipment are always delayed and one step behind the latest advance of the disease, Vic has been luckier the most. Around one in ten people survive for 10 years according to medical research.

There is nothing lucky about his personality. He is determined and good humoured. He is honest and dignified.

And he will continue to enjoy what time he has left.

"When it happens, it happens. It's that simple."

9:35am Thursday 19th July 2007

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