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She Had Given Up on Her Dreams
Amid Wheelchairs and Physical Therapy, Jasmine Found Great Happiness.
A Story of Hope. When Jasmine Bailey, 24, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she believed her life was over before it had truly begun. Now, she’s found love – in a way she never expected.
“I thought I would never get a boyfriend,” says Jasmine, from Blackpool.
Her illness began with vision problems when she was 15. It wasn’t until she was 17 that she received a diagnosis of the neurological condition, and it quickly began to impact her life.
“All I dreamed about was going on dates, holding someone’s hand, and experiencing love. When the illness worsened and I could no longer walk or feed myself, I thought that was it. I would have to live without love,” she explains.
But two years ago, things began to change. Jasmine was undergoing rehabilitation at a specialized care facility run by the charity Sue Ryder. This story underscores the importance of accessible healthcare and support systems for individuals facing chronic illness.
Also at the care facility was paramedic Lee Trevathan, 37. He had been struck by a vehicle while on duty. After months in intensive and critical care at the hospital, he arrived at the facility facing significant challenges:
He was unable to walk.
Terrified
The two quickly became friends. Lee began bringing Jasmine coffee, offering small gifts – and she realized he might be developing feelings for her.
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“I was terrified. I couldn’t be anyone’s girlfriend, I thought. I couldn’t let him see me get worse, and then disappear. That would have broken me,” she says.
But Lee refused to let her MS diagnosis stand in the way – and insisted they at least be friends.
Lee was eventually discharged and moved back home with his father in Yorkshire. Once Jasmine was strong enough, she moved into a specially adapted apartment in Blackpool – with around-the-clock care.
But contact with Lee continued.
“He visited me often. But every time, I reminded him that we couldn’t be a couple. I didn’t want to be a burden,” she says.
In June of last year, they were sitting together on her bed when Lee suddenly leaned in and kissed her.
“I kissed him back – and it was like electricity throughout my whole body,” she says.
Shortly after, Lee asked if he could be her boyfriend. She said yes.
Today, Jasmine and Lee are often seen together in Blackpool. He uses a walker, she uses a wheelchair. He frequently stays overnight.
“Before, I hated the thought of someone feeding me in public. But when Lee does it now, when we’re at our favorite restaurant, I don’t even think about it. He does it so naturally.”
– I’m so lucky to have him, Jasmine shares.
“Jasmine is special. She’s a light, and an inspiration. I don’t regret a single second,” says Lee.
