BACK home with her parents on the other side of the world, 30-year-old Devic’s disease sufferer Natasha Price has been keeping friends and supporters in Hereford up to date with her new life on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Admitting that 2009 was the worst year of her life, Tasha, who bravely battled against the devastating symptoms of her paralysing illness while striving to raise funds through charity events for others, is on a mission to continue her inspirational work down under.
Her original plans to study for a Masters’ degree in Leeds had to be abandoned last year when she became ill and was finally diagnosed with Devic’s, a rare disease which has also robbed her of her sight.
Wheelchair-bound and at times bed-bound, Tasha organised a series of fundraisers in Hereford, where her professional footballer father, Chris, was once a Hereford United full back. She has worked to help raise money for other sufferers of rare diseases and she has supported the Little Princesses Trust.
Now settled back in the family home in Australia, she has landed a part-time voluntary job as a feature columnist for a new online travel magazine for the disabled.
“I am an extremely well-travelled individual and can write about many destinations, accommodations, attractions from the point of view of over five different disabilities since the age of 10, but as long as I can remember in reality,” she said.
“I’m currently working on my first article regarding my trip over here and am thankful to say it is an extremely positive piece which, unfortunately, is not something you come across often when speaking of disability and travel.”
Tasha is giving herself time to settle in to her new environment, but is already in talks with friends and supporters about future fundraising ideas. “I will not go into it full throttle until I’m up to it,” she said. “First things first – I must sort out my medical team and carers.”
A new website is up and running, www.tashasjourney .com, giving up to date information about Tasha’s fund-raising plans, as well as notes, ideas and research on her illnesses.
“I want to use the site to inform, update, inspire and help others if I can,” said Tasha.
Donations towards her continuing health care costs and towards the charities she is supporting can also be made through her website.