A mother of two suffered a life-altering brain injury after falling 40 feet from a balcony while sleepwalking during a vacation in Paris.
The incident occurred on April 26 last year when Raina Heverin, 44, decided to switch rooms with her brother and sister-in-law at the townhouse where they were staying. She had been disturbed by the noise of traffic outside her original room and was offered a quieter room at the back of the property with a Juliet balcony.
Raina, a resident of Liverpool, Merseyside, went to the new room after a day of sightseeing but has no recollection of the fall and believes she was sleepwalking. Her brother discovered her absence at 6 am, assuming she had gone for a morning run. However, upon noticing her shoes inside and the open window, he found Raina lying motionless in the courtyard below.
Despite her brother and sister-in-law’s shock, a neighbor assisted them in calling an ambulance as they did not speak French.
Following the fall, Raina sustained severe injuries, including a brain hemorrhage, a punctured lung, a broken hip, arm, and ribs, and was in a coma for three weeks. She described the incident as a harrowing experience for her family.
Before the accident, Raina led an active lifestyle, managing two businesses while caring for her children, Cian, 10, and Aliyah, eight. She was physically fit, engaging in daily exercise routines like running, cycling, weightlifting, and fitness classes.
After spending two months in a French hospital and undergoing further treatment in the UK, Raina was diagnosed with ataxia, a neurological disorder affecting her coordination and muscle control. She now faces challenges with balance and experiences tremors in her hands, body, and throat, making everyday tasks difficult.
Despite the hardships, Raina remains hopeful and has written a children’s book to help her kids understand her condition. She has also raised funds for The Brain Charity through a walking challenge, showcasing resilience and determination in her recovery journey.
Encouraging others in rehabilitation, Raina advises not to lose hope, acknowledging the presence of both tough and positive days. She emphasizes the value of perseverance, highlighting the potential for a fulfilling life beyond adversity.