5 minute read
Debbie Underhill's new life as an artist
Interview and photo by Marilyn Barber newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
Debbie Underhill is, quite simply, an inspiration.
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If anyone can prove that, when life has dealt you a cruel blow, you can reinvent yourself and find an extraordinary new skill, it is Debbie, who is the wife of the former Dorset police and crime commission Martyn Underhill.
She was a health and social care co-ordinator lead before a life-changing episode moved her to become an artist.
On 5 October 2016, Debbie had just got out of a taxi in Wimborne Square when she had a brain haemorrhage. “Apparently, Martyn held me up as he called an ambulance and when they got me into the vehicle they had to give me CPR before taking me to Poole Hospital.”
She was subsequently transferred to intensive care in Southampton.
“There were seven people in the ward and I was the only one to come out,” she said.
“They told Martyn I was going to die and the first thing I remember is when they took me off life support after six days. They then said I had a one in seven chance of surviving. They also said if I survived I would be a vegetable. I woke up almost blind and hallucinating.” It must have been a terrible shock for her to find herself in this condition?
“I blindly rolled with it, but I have to admit I became a bit difficult. I had no self control and overthought things, rather like having OCD.”
She has great praise for Martyn, to whom she had only been married for two years at that time. “He’s been marvellous.” She was in Southampton Hospital for three weeks and, having virtually discharged herself, was re-admitted to Poole Hospital for a twonight stay a week later.
“Martyn looked after me, and a rehab assistant came to see me to demonstrate how I could cope with my disabilities.”
For 18 months, Debbie had just 10 per cent vision, but following four operations – a victrectomy on each eye – her sight has improved.
“My brain has discovered a new pathway for sight,” said Debbie who had to come to terms with losing her job and her driving licence and hence her independence.
Martyn and Debbie live in a lovely cottage in Pamphill and she said: “I feel safe here.”
Debbie is a glamorous woman, who appreciates that anyone looking at her would not be at all aware of her disabilities.
She is able to accompany Martyn to special functions, one of which was the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral where she was photographed with Prince William.
She has also been to a few High Sheriff summer parties and to the recent ordination of the new Diocesan Bishop The Rt Rev Stephen Lake at Salisbury Cathedral.
So how did she become a talented artist?
“I sketched at school, but I didn’t paint and have never done an art class. However, when Martyn was re-elected as police and crime commissioner for a second term, I realised I could either sit and stare at a wall or do something,” she said.
She decided she would try to create some artwork, and Martyn bought her acrylics and watercolour paints.
However, she is righthanded and unfortunately that hand is weak, so she has become innovative when it comes to using tools to create what, it has to be said, are pictures that anyone would be proud to have on their walls.
“I use an air brush and hit acrylics with a hammer. I also use cut up credit cards,” she said.
Her first picture, which she created in the spring of 2017, was sunflowers in a vase and subsequently she has produced numerous pictures, many of which were on display at an exhibition at Allendale House during the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival. You can also view her pictures in the Allendale café.
Debbie has also done painting workshops with youngsters at the Beehive, which is run by Diverse Abilities.
She still has limitations in her life, and admits that she has problems with her shortterm memory. Unable to read a book, audio ones have become a lifesaver and she has to get Martyn to read menus to her, although she is now able to watch TV. Her distance sight is good which enables her to enjoy the view from their cottage.
“Life is so different,” she said simply, but with no hint of self pity.
What would she say to anyone is a similar position?
“The brain is an incredible piece of machinery and it finds other ways of doing things. It is an opportunity to do something you have never done before.”
As I said at the beginning, Debbie’s story is inspirational and she said she would be happy to give talks to local groups.
She can be contacted at: www.debbieunderhill.co.uk
