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Recovery Stories

Fifteen people. Fifteen different journeys.

One common goal: getting their lives back.

Children & Teenagers

Emily's Story

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When Emily was just nine years old, CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) and chronic fatigue syndrome had turned family life upside down. For more than two years she could only manage one hour at school two or three times a week. She stopped seeing friends, avoided parties and after-school activities, and often felt too unwell to do the things other children her age enjoyed.

After joining the New Pathways Programme with her mum, Emily gradually began rebuilding her confidence and returning to everyday life. Little by little, she spent more time at school, started socialising again and became happier and more independent.

 

"Coming to see Steve was one of the best decisions we've ever made. Emily's consultant was delighted with her progress, and another consultant even asked for Steve's details because she thought other families could benefit too. Today Emily goes to school every day, enjoys lunch with her friends, goes to parties and school discos, and is happy again. She no longer needs pain medication because, as she says, she doesn't have pain anymore.​​

The techniques Steve taught both of us have changed her life, and we'll always be grateful."

— Gail, Emily's mum

Frankie's Story

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Before COVID, Frankie was an energetic 12-year-old who loved running, swimming and school. A county champion athlete, she was always on the go.

Everything changed after she caught COVID in October 2022. As the weeks passed, overwhelming fatigue, brain fog and aching limbs left her unable to manage everyday activities. At her worst, she struggled to walk from the sofa to the fridge. Despite trying pacing, dietary changes and other advice, little seemed to help.

After finding the New Pathways Programme, Frankie began working with Steve online. As she learned and practised the techniques, she gradually started rebuilding confidence and noticing steady improvements. She returned to school part-time, then full-time, and slowly resumed the activities she loved.

Today, Frankie is back enjoying life with her friends, taking part in PE, swimming, family holidays and looking ahead rather than back.

"The tools and skills Steve has given Frankie have not only helped her recover, but will stay with her as she faces future challenges. The programme really changed her life."


— Becky, Frankie's Mum

Danny's Story

For three months, Danny could barely walk more than a kilometre without needing to rest. His heart rate rose from around 70 beats per minute when lying down to 110 on standing, leaving him severely dizzy and making everyday activities a struggle.

Working with Steve, Danny gradually began rebuilding his confidence and returning to normal life. Over time he went back to school, started playing tennis again and continued making steady progress.

"After reading the reviews, I hoped the programme might help my son, but I didn't quite dare believe it. Danny's improvement has been remarkable. He's back at school, playing tennis again and enjoying life. He isn't quite 100%, but he's very close.

The New Pathways Programme has transformed not only Danny's life, but mine too. I'm finally sleeping again, and our whole family is so much happier."

— Marianne, Danny's mum

Aaron's Story

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At 17, Aaron's life revolved around cycling. Training up to 12 hours a week, he loved racing, spending time with friends and pushing himself on the bike.

After catching COVID in 2022, everything changed. Fatigue, breathlessness and a racing heart meant he had to stop cycling altogether. Months passed with little improvement, and Long COVID began dictating what he could and couldn't do.

After joining the New Pathways Programme, Aaron gradually began rebuilding confidence and returning to activity. Within weeks he was back on his bike, and over time he regained the freedom he'd been missing.

"At first I was sceptical because it's such a different way of looking at Long COVID. But after the first few sessions, I felt relieved that I didn't have to keep stressing about it. Steve was incredibly supportive throughout. Today I'm back cycling five times a week, going to the gym, studying for my A-levels and living life again. I recently completed my longest ride ever – 100 miles around Scotland. Long COVID is no longer dictating what I do."

— Aaron

Young Adults

Charlotte's Story

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Charlotte developed ME/CFS as a teenager and spent years living with overwhelming fatigue. At her worst, she was often bedbound and struggled with even the simplest daily tasks. School attendance fell dramatically, holding down a job became impossible, and she began to believe this was how life would always be.

After years of trying different approaches, Charlotte eventually joined the New Pathways Programme. As she learned and practised the techniques, she gradually began rebuilding confidence and returning to everyday life.

"Working with Steve has changed my life immeasurably. I discovered practical ways to respond differently to my symptoms and gradually found myself doing more without the fear that had held me back for so long. Today I have a job, a partner, our own home and an active life I never thought was possible. It wasn't an overnight fix, but learning these skills gave me my future back."

— Charlotte

Lucy's Story

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Lucy was a talented young runner who represented Great Britain in junior mountain running and orienteering. But after moving to university, years of intense training eventually caught up with her. Fatigue, crashes and headaches left her unable to exercise, study or enjoy the active life she loved.

After a year of searching for answers, Lucy joined the New Pathways Programme. Gradually, she began understanding what had been keeping her stuck and learned practical ways to move forward.

"Working with Steve was life changing. I finally understood what had happened and learned skills I'll use for the rest of my life. Recovery wasn't instant, and it took patience and practice, but today I'm running again, enjoying university and have my life back. If you're wondering whether to do the programme, I'd say take the leap. You never know where you could be in a few months' time."

— Lucy

Tyler's Story

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When glandular fever left Tyler with chronic fatigue, his life as a university student came to a standstill. Too exhausted to study, socialise or exercise, he took a year out of university while searching for answers. Despite trying a range of different approaches, nothing seemed to bring lasting improvement.

After joining the New Pathways Programme, Tyler gradually began to understand why recovery had become stuck and learned practical ways to move forward.

"It took a few sessions before I noticed a real difference, but then something changed. I realised I was feeling better... and I wasn't crashing anymore. Today I'm back at university full-time, seeing friends again, making plans for the future and enjoying life. Steve was incredibly supportive throughout and helped me regain confidence that I could recover."

— Tyler

Elizabeth's Story

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Shortly after leaving school, Elizabeth developed severe chronic pain and fatigue following a difficult period in her life. Simple everyday tasks became overwhelming, and after being diagnosed with several chronic pain conditions, she feared her future would always be limited by pain.

 

After trying different treatments with only limited success, Elizabeth discovered the New Pathways Programme. Gradually, she learned practical techniques that helped her respond differently to her symptoms and rebuild confidence in what her body could do.

"Working with Steve gave me hope again. The techniques he taught me helped me calm my pain and gradually rebuild my confidence. Although I still have challenging days, I've gone from struggling to carry something upstairs to running 2km. Most importantly, I now feel hopeful about the future and have the tools to keep moving forward."

— Elizabeth

Adults

Roz's Story

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At 19, Roz had to leave university and move back home after developing ME. She became mostly bedbound, struggled with pain and exhaustion, and even as her health slowly improved, she still needed 13 hours of sleep each night and lacked the confidence to rebuild her life.

After joining the New Pathways Programme, Roz gradually began reconnecting with life and discovering what was possible again.

"The programme gave me practical skills that I still use every day. Gradually I started sleeping better, swimming again, making new friends and rebuilding my confidence. Since then I've found my dream job, organised my wedding and created a life I once thought I'd never have. I'm incredibly grateful to have my health and confidence back."

— Roz

Alice's Story

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Before COVID, Alice enjoyed an active family life, running her own business and spending weekends walking, paddle boarding and body boarding with her husband and son.

After catching COVID in 2020, everything changed. Although the initial illness was mild, she never fully recovered. Fatigue, anxiety and panic attacks gradually took over, leaving her unable to enjoy the life she once loved. After trying NHS support, she was looking for a practical approach that would help her move forward.

Alice joined the New Pathways Programme and began learning simple, practical strategies that she could apply in everyday life. Gradually, she found herself becoming more confident, less overwhelmed and able to return to the activities she had missed.

"Working with Steve has been life changing. There was never any pressure to be perfect, and I always felt understood. Even if I occasionally slip into old habits, I now have the skills to get myself back on track. I'm back enjoying family walks, taking our dog out and paddle boarding again. What I learned has changed my life."

— Alice

Steph's Story

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Steph developed post-viral myalgia after a bout of flu in 2015. For 18 months she lived with severe fatigue, pain and brain fog. Walking even short distances was difficult, climbing the stairs was painful, and every small improvement seemed to be followed by another setback.

After initially dismissing the programme, Steph later decided to give it a try. Working with Steve online, she gradually began to regain confidence, stop fearing relapse and return to the active life she had missed.

"Halfway through the programme, friends were already saying, 'You've got your spark back.' I realised how much the words we use affect how we feel and what we believe is possible. Today I feel free. I'm no longer ruled by the fear of relapse, and I have practical techniques I can use whenever I need them. It feels amazing to just go for it again."

— Steph

Ali's Story

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After coming down with what felt like the flu in October 2017, Ali never fully recovered. Once fit and active, he found himself exhausted, struggling with brain fog, and unable to enjoy work, family life or the activities he loved. Months passed with little improvement, and he began to wonder if this was how life would always be.

After joining the New Pathways Programme, Ali gradually began rebuilding his confidence and returning to everyday life. As he practised the techniques, his energy improved and he slowly returned to work, exercise and family activities.

"Before the programme, I'd started to believe this might be my new normal. Within weeks I noticed I was sleeping better, had more energy and, for the first time in a long while, felt hopeful again. Today I'm back to walking the dog, riding my bike, playing football with my kids and travelling internationally for work. I still use the techniques as part of everyday life, and I feel excited about the future again."

— Ali

Lorna's Story

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After living with chronic fatigue for many years, Lorna found everyday family occasions exhausting. Even short visits could leave her needing to rest for the remainder of the day, and she worried about coping whenever family came to stay.

After joining the New Pathways Programme, Lorna gradually began building confidence and returning to the life she wanted. As she practised the techniques, family gatherings became something she could enjoy again rather than fear.

"Just a few months ago I'd have been in bed, exhausted and tearful after even a small family visit. This summer I hosted waves of grandchildren, children and relatives, often one group after another, and I felt great. I did the cooking, stayed present and, most importantly, stayed well. The greatest joy has been realising, 'I'm back.' I used to fear these busy times, but now I say, 'Bring it on, folks!' The techniques have become part of everyday life, and I can't thank you enough. This programme changed my life."

— Lorna

Jackie's Story

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For years, Jackie balanced the demands of being a single parent, caring for her mother with Alzheimer's, and working in emotionally demanding jobs. Over time, her health declined. By 2019 she had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, alongside narcolepsy and an overactive thyroid. Eventually she became unable to work, struggled with pain, exhaustion and brain fog, and found everyday activities increasingly difficult.

After trying different approaches, Jackie joined the New Pathways Programme. Through the programme she began to understand how years of stress had affected her health and learned practical ways to respond differently, gradually finding more balance and confidence in everyday life.

"Before the programme I felt lost and overwhelmed, even after trying different types of support. I learned simple techniques that helped me calm my mind, set healthier boundaries and start looking after myself again. I feel stronger, more in control and hopeful about the future. The programme has changed my life, and I can't recommend it enough."

— Jackie

France's Story

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Frances had been living with chronic fatigue syndrome for 16 years. At her worst, she was housebound, relied on a wheelchair to go out, and depended heavily on her husband for everyday care. She was unable to work, cook or manage more than a few minutes of walking, and life had become dominated by pain, anxiety and exhaustion.

After joining the New Pathways Programme, Frances gradually began rebuilding her confidence and returning to everyday life. Walking became easier, everyday activities became possible again, and over time she was able to return to work, travel and exercise.

"When I first started, I never imagined how much my life could change. Within a month I was travelling on the Tube, cooking meals and getting back to everyday life. Since then I've returned to full-time work, travelled long haul, had two children, and today I run 5K three times a week, practise yoga and enjoy an active social life. Steve's guidance has been a key part of my recovery, and I can't recommend him highly enough. He gave me my life back."

— Frances

Wondering whether the New Pathways Programme could help you too?

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