Pregnant Pause

In the early hours of one morning, there was a terrific crash as my husband had collapsed. He lay there clutching his chest and gasping for air.

Our GP arrived very quickly, followed by an ambulance and an amazing team of paramedics. We arrived at James Paget Hospital where my husband received immediate treatment, while I completed the routine things that had to be done on admission.

At the time I was five months pregnant, after 16 years of marriage. For those five months, I was the centre of attention and wrapped in cotton wool. Suddenly, the roles were reversed and I had to be strong both for my husband and myself, doing my best to encourage him.

He came home from hospital after about 10 days. Gradually, and nervously, he got back on his feet. He started with a short walk around the lawn, then round the estate and eventually all round the village. I used to worry myself sick waiting for him to come home from his walks. Even now, if he is later than I expect, I imagine the worst.