A mum-of-two is bravely battling her way back to health after a terrifying fall from a second-floor balcony during a weekend getaway in Paris. Raina Heverin, 42, faced a life-threatening situation when her brother discovered her in the courtyard below the next morning. Rushed to hospital, she remained unconscious for almost a month.
Her husband, Michael, believes a nightmare or sleepwalking may be behind the fall. The day prior, Raina had been enjoying a day of shopping in the city, even buying new running trainers. Her brother assumed she’d gone for an early morning jog when he couldn’t find her in her room – until he spotted those shoes by the door.
Raina, a vibrant and active mum from Mossley Hill, suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured arm, broken hip, and brain stem lesions. After two months in a French hospital, she was transferred home to the UK, where she’s undergoing intensive rehabilitation to relearn how to walk and talk.
Her journey is filled with immense challenges, but Raina’s spirit remains unbreakable. Despite the exhaustion from relearning daily skills, her family and friends are united in their support. Her friend, Rachel Bryan, started an online fundraiser to help cover the costs of her rehabilitation, which includes pricey therapy sessions and specialist equipment.
For Raina, who co-founded a teaching agency with her husband, the goal is clear: to return to her life and family, and embrace the simple joys of walking hand in hand with her children. Michael highlights the resilience of their kids, who have adapted remarkably well to the upheaval.
With a spot at a specialist brain injury centre on the horizon, Raina is determined to tackle this new chapter with courage. Her loved ones are immensely proud of her progress so far, and with continued support, they’re confident Raina will reclaim her independence and live the life she deserves.