I am alive today because of the friendship I received during my illness from clubs around the world.
Three years ago, I was struck down with a spinal abscess. I was in a coma for a month in the main hospital for five months and in the rehabilitation ward for a further four months. During that time, I was suffering from depression, and the psychiatrist came up with the idea that I should contact people around the world at any time of the day or night and just listen to what was going on.
As a result of the illness, I had pain in the lower spine and would often wake up in the middle of the night. So I started assuming clubs around the world and joined clubs in Australia, New Zealand and in central and South America
It was really a saviour to me as it distracted me from the pain I was in
I origionally joined Toastmasters in South Africa, in 1982. I’m very pleased to say that last year I finally completed my DTM.
Thank you, Toastmasters
Howard Balkind
Manchester Communicators
