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Les Strachan
Across a career of 27 years I worked in the Public Transport Unit with Grampian Region Council and a 999 call handler with Grampian Police, progressing to Deputy Shift Manager. I was then struck down with a mystery illness which resulted in me suffering severe chronic pain all down my left side.
I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord), a rare condition which affects about 1 in a million and a sister condition to M.S. This left me with mobility issues, which meant I had to use a crutch on a permanent basis. Eventually the demands of my job and coping with the pain became too much and I was forced to retire from full-time work, on the grounds of ill health.
After a while I realised sitting about all day surrounded by so much pain was doing me more harm than good and I set about sourcing some part-time work. This would get me back among adult company on a daily basis and help take my mind off the pain. I was offered a relief admin role with Aberdeenshire Council in 2016, which quickly progressed to part-time hours on a contract basis. This was a positive step which had a big impact for me at the time and for my future.
In 2017 I was given a huge boost when my Neurologist Consultant agreed to the NHS funding a Spinal Cord Stimulator implant for me and the operation was performed in the middle of that year. The decrease in pain was significant, although it is still there but much less intense and I still have to use my walking aid to assist with my balance.
By this time I was working as an Admin Support Assistant and split my work between the Maid Reception and the Members Building Reception. at Woodhill House. I enjoyed the fact I was customer facing, meaning I was always meeting/greeting visitors and speaking with people, which helped take my mind off my constant pain. I felt proud to hold a position that allowed visitors and staff alike to see the Council promote equal opportunities.
When Covid-19 struck in 2020 I very quickly adapted my working environment and managed to set up a comfortable office space for myself at home. My job had all but disappeared because all the Council buildings were closed, but in early 2021 I was offered the opportunity to be mobilised and then seconded to the NHS/Aberdeenshire H&SCP aspart of the Administration Team when the Covid vaccine started to be rolled out.
I was soon promoted to a Supervisor within the team and although the role is now a permanent one, I am still there.
My employment with Aberdeenshire Council has helped a lot with my self-esteem and confidence – which was almost at rock bottom – getting the opportunity to prove myself in an office and home environment, has been a huge boost for me.
