Once Upon a Time. . .
How do you start to tell a story like this ?
In 1997 I was given the news that I was to retire early from my job due to Ankylosing Spondylitis, Sciatica and Arthritis
of the Inner Spine, and just to make me feel better just a touch of
depression.
On Thursday March 12 1998 I officially retired after more than 24 very
good years with H M Customs & Excise, first in Dover then from 1973 in
Kingston upon Hull.
The next day was my retirement party and it was quite a day, with all
my family, friends and colleagues from near and far, but my
retirement was to last just 120hours! Until Tuesday 17 March 1998 Budget Day.
One minute you are healthy and
working, the next everything is taken away and this happened before my
strokes! It was in 1986 - 87 that I first became aware that things were
not right, I found it hard to walk, bend, sleep or run anymore.