In 2015, Riona experienced a rare spinal stroke that paralyzed her from the waist down. And several days after her stroke, her husband told her he wanted a divorce.
“After suffering a stroke not only did I have to deal with paralysis but I had to deal with losing my partner of 14 years.”
Though the mother of four found herself in an incredibly difficult situation, she didn’t let her circumstances stop her from moving forward. Just eight weeks after her injury, she had recovered enough to begin taking steps while holding onto a parallel bar. And four months later, Riona headed home to be with her children and continue her recovery.
Riona wanted to continue to work on regaining as much muscle function as she could, so she began looking for a professional to assist her. That’s when she found Keith, a personal trainer.
At first, their relationship was strictly business, but it soon became more. “After our sessions Keith and I stayed in contact, he would ask me how I was getting on and our relationship blossomed from there,” shares Riona.
And when Riona looks back on the events following her spinal stroke, she has a new perspective: “After my stroke I thought my life was over. But it’s only just beginning and has opened so many wonderful doors.”
“Having a best friend in a partner is a must. We walk and wheel through life together and together we face all obstacles.”
Congratulations to Riona and Keith for finding love!