Pulling my last pint before I clocked off for the night, I realised someone was watching me. ‘Are you going to buy me a drink after your shift?’ the handsome stranger asked. I was taken aback by the cheekiness, but I was instantly drawn to the mischievous glint in his eye. ‘Go on then,’ I said, pulling another pint and putting it down in front of him.
It was November 2012, and meeting Damien, then 22, for the first time, I loved his charming confidence and his jokes. ‘Are you going to give me your number?’ Damien asked, passing me his phone.
Arriving home an hour later, a message pinged through. For the next few days we were in constant contact, firing texts to each other all day. Meeting up for our first date, we chatted about all sorts, telling each other about our families and swapping funny stories. After a few drinks, Damien told me he had some health problems. ‘I have epilepsy,’ he explained, saying he had three seizures most weeks. But I wasn’t fazed, and by the end of the night I couldn’t wait to see Damien again.
We became an item, and three months later, in February 2013, I moved into Damien’s flat. Seeing him have a seizure for the first time was scary, but he’d taught me what to do. I’d learnt to spot the signs if he was about to fit and I was always there to put him into a comfortable place, remove any sharp objects and make sure he wouldn’t bang his head until the seizure ended. It wouldn’t be long after that he’d start joking around again!
Denne historien er fra September 12, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 12, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories