A Story to Inspire

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." Christopher Reeve

Back in 2018, Paul had surgery on his spine and was discharged home following the successful procedure. Within a few days, he was rushed back to hospital by ambulance critically unwell. Much to the shock, surprise and anguish of everyone, he was diagnosed with a bowel perforation. He had to have life-saving, emergency surgery which resulted in him having a colostomy. We were warned by the consultants that they didn't know if Paul would survive. He was transferred to ITU, in an induced coma and had a huge road ahead of him.

The next year was exceptionally challenging for Paul. As well as recovering from his original spinal surgery, Paul had to adapt to life with a colostomy and the significant adverse effects of having had such severe sepsis. In 2019, Paul was able to successfully have the colostomy reversed and in the summer of 2020, he had further surgery to correct some complications. Paul continues to go from strength to strength in his recovery. We are so thankful to everyone that worked so hard to save Paul's life. It is a debt we can never repay. 

We have always loved travelling and during Paul's recovery period we decided to set up a YouTube channel to vlog our future travels and celebrate this second chance at life. This was when "The W-B's Travel Diary" was born! 

When the COVID pandemic started we wanted to find a way that we could travel safely around the UK, whilst international travel was suspended. In late summer 2020, we were watching a television programme about Staycations and the same night Victoria's best friend had sent her a WhatsApp message about her desire to buy a motorhome. This got us thinking and within 5 days we had purchased a 17 seater Transit Minibus to convert to a campervan for socially distanced holidays! The minibus was delivered to us and within four weeks of delivery she had been converted into the "Beach Club on Wheels" know as Leila. We spent many fabulous weekends travelling around in Leila. So much so that we sold her on and converted our second van 'Barry Vanilow' - a newer model. We are looking forward to more adventures in the campervan throughout 2022 and may even take him across to mainland Europe. 

We are so glad that you have decided to join us on our journeys and send love and sunshine your way. With love, "The W-B's" x  

PS. Keep an eye out for how many time's Mrs W-B says '"I'm so excited!" It's rather a regular occurrence!