Lorna Bond: Bespoke and Blogging

Lorna Bond is not a woman to give up easily. When she told us about her life with spondylitis, a serious and chronic inflammation of the vertebrae, we could not fail to be impressed with her courage. Not that Lorna would thank us for making a fuss. She is a “get on with it” kind of gal.

“I had major spinal surgery when I was 19,” she told us, “but it didn’t stop me living a full life.” She went on to obtain a diploma as a nursery nurse and worked for some years as a dental nurse, married and had her children and then grandchildren.

Five major spinal surgeries followed over the years. With the fourth she developed an infection that caused a leakage of spinal fluid. Lorna was very poorly indeed and spent six weeks in hospital in constant pain. She searched around for something to distract herself and, being the warm-hearted, open person that she is, she began to think about people like herself who were isolated by mobility issues.

The fifth surgery left Lorna unable to weight bear and she is now a permanent wheelchair user. She also has several other health issues that have a huge effect upon her life, but she felt it was important to find things to occupy herself.

“Being dependent upon the use of a wheelchair can be very challenging,” she said. “So many people living with long-term health issues are isolated and lonely.”

That is why Lorna started Bespoke Individuals, a place for people to come together, learn new skills, make friends and generally have a good time together. They met regularly at the Tanyard in Pembroke until the pandemic hit and have been working together online when meeting in person has been impossible.

With more than 60 members the project has been a lifeline for some, offering a wide range of talks and activities, including boxing, baking and a wide range of crafts. They also organise social events and many friendships have been forged. All thanks to Lorna’s warmth and enterprise.  

Now Lorna has launched a new venture. Her blog. It is a personal account of living her life with long-term disabilities – moving, funny and full of warmth, it is a must read for people in similar circumstances or someone who would like to understand how long-term health issues can affect us.

Pembrokeshire.Online is delighted to announce that Lorna has agreed to share her writing with us, so we are all looking forward to hearing about her life – with its trials and joys – very soon.

Here is a lovely snippet from Lorna’s blog to whet the appetite . We look forward to reading more.

 I’m a Fire Engine

Well, what a day! While my dad fixed my daughter’s car on my drive (he used to own his own garage, handy as hell), my granddaughter was having lots of fun sitting on her seat on my wheelchair, her seat being my arm rest. She just loves to have me go as fast as the electric wheelchair will go and she makes the noise of a siren. Apparently, we were a fire engine. Her laugh has become such a dirty, cheeky one that it creases me up.

Then I was told that I was to go to bed so she could lay on me as she wanted to chill. This involves her stripped (she hates clothes even more when tired) and using me as a rest for whatever body part that she sees fit.

So, there I lay being a good grandma doing as I was told. She turned her pretty little head and told me that she loved me ever so much.

These moments are so special and if I can be a fire engine, a mattress, a chef when cooking food for all, then life is so worth living.

• To learn more about Bespoke, visit its Facebook page. Lorna’s blog will be available soon and a new website is planned.