"Getting the right help for my feet has changed my life"

I have been visiting Arrol Park for a number of years and have been treated with kindness and respect for my own knowledge of what I do for my feet. 10 years ago, I couldn't even walk the few steps to my local shop, now I can go to the gym, I can do my own shopping and I can walk around my house pain in my feet. I'm still needing to go to podiatry and for orthotics. I'm doing so much better and it really is thanks to Shirley (I'm almost completely sure that's the correct name). The care that I've got from the department over the years has been excellent. I've been able to come back to normal life. I had to retire early because of my feet being so worn out. But I'm now able to do things I could only do before my feet became bad. I only have to go back now from time to time and have my insoles sorted.

I moved from Hampshire to Scotland and that's when my life turned around, before I moved the care I received was good, but the care here really did turn my life around. Massage and reflexology really helped my feet, it's what you long along the way that can make the difference and when a professional says "give this a go" it helps you to take control back for your life. It was a different approach in Scotland, they really want you to win, to stand on your own two feet (literally!) get your confidence and independence back. And I do have it back! I can go out somewhere and feel confident that I can make it back home, whereas before I'd end up in tears, but now I know that I can do it. Otherwise, you can find yourself indoors, not socialising and being scared to ask for help and that’s one of the big thins, so I want to say thankyou to the National Health Service. Without them I might have been in the same place as my mum because no one listened to us. Its so important to know the National Health Service is there and that we can be honest with them if we can get over the fear of being judged, But if you know someone is there to help you to help yourself it's a much easier journey.