Monday 29th January

An email sent by Peter to many of Shirley friend's on the BA in Applied Theology at Maryvale.

Dear All,

Shirley has asked me to let you know that she is currently unwell and temporarily out of action.

Shirley had a stroke on Thursday morning (25th January). It was a scary day. She was initially without sensation or sight in her left side, and was rushed to hospital in an ambulance with a blue flashing light, but thankfully she has made excellent progress since then. As I write (Monday night) all sensation has returned, and to Shirley's great relief her appearance has returned to normal, although she has limited use in her right arm and hand, and is not yet walking. The outlook is extremely good, and we expect Shirley to be walking in the next week and hopefully to be home by the weekend - the stay in hospital is starting to drive her mad(der).

You will not be surprised to learn that she has retained the power of speech throughout the ordeal. This has been especially fortunate as she has been required to impart wisdom and advice to more than 60 visitors, including all family members of the direct line, siblings and numerous other relatives, several priests and deacons, a bishop, and - all at the same time -- six sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Special permission was also granted for a visit from Benedict XVI and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (who, as you should know, are our cavalier king charles spaniels) who spent Sunday afternoon with Shirley in the day room. The flowers sent to ward 84, the acute stroke unit of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire have been so many that we have had to bring many home to distribute to the poor.

When I left the ward this afternoon Shirley was avidly reading her coursebook on the Liturgy for the BA in applied theology, but hospital is making her very fed up. She is the youngest on the ward by about 30 years. Please keep her in your prayers.


Peter Weatherby