STUDENT Carla Drummond has overcome a debilitating illness and now wants to help others by becoming a nurse.

Carla, 21, from Toothill, was left unable to walk, talk, read or write after being diagnosed with encephalitis two years ago, as she studied for A-levels.

The condition, usually caused by a viral infection, causes inflammation of the brain.

Carla said: “I was told it affects one in two million people and thought that’s just my typical luck.

“It completely knocked me out and meant I couldn’t do anything. I still can’t remember much about what happened, but apparently doctors didn’t know whether I would pull through.”

Carla’s treatment involved cleaning all of her blood so it was free of the infection.

After spending weeks confined to a hospital bed and wheelchair, Carla was determined to kick-start her recovery.

The last few years have been very difficult for Carla as her mum Angie died of cancer last August.

She said: “My mum had been there for me throughout the illness, even though she was battling blood cancer herself. Although we knew she was ill and may not have much longer, I couldn’t believe it when she was gone. I was angry because it felt like the last thing we deserved after all we had been through.”

Even though her step-father Trevor was still recovering from a stroke, he became Carla’s rock.

“He has been so amazing and picked me up when everything seemed to be falling apart. Although I’m his carer physically because he can’t walk and needs help with practical stuff, he’s my emotional lifeline. We talk about everything and he just always understands and knows how to make me feel better,” she said.

“He decided to cheer me up with a shih tzu called Patch, because he has helped patch up our lives. Raana, a health ambassador at Swindon Council, had encouraged me to go walking and Patch is the perfect incentive because he can’t get enough of it.”

Carla’s illness struck midway through her studies and this week she is returning to education at New College.

“I need to get my GCSEs first, then instead of doing A-levels I plan to do my nursing qualifications,” she said.

“I love caring for people and want to give something back, having been helped myself. In a strange way, this whole experience has given me a whole new lease of life and I’m stronger for it.”

Carla met Raana Bodman through a charity called Headway who provide rehabilitation support with brain injuries. While Carla was ill and immobile she took to eating junk food.

Raana helped improve Carla’s lifestyle and eating habits pointing her in the direction of Swindon sports clubs which could help her get active again.

Raana said: “Carla has been through so much, but still stays upbeat.

“I’m really proud of what she has managed to do and think she’s an amazing inspiration to everyone.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to help her feel back to herself again and I have every confidence she has a very fit and bright future ahead.

“I just want to say well done and show others that when you set your mind to something, the possibilities really are endless.”

l For more information about Swindon health support visit leisureinswindon.

co.uk and swindon.gov.uk/ healthambassadors