Raina Heverin, a 44-year-old mother of two from Mossley Hill, is recovering after falling from the second-floor balcony of a Paris Airbnb while sleepwalking. The accident occurred on April 26 last year during a weekend trip. She suffered a serious brain injury, multiple broken bones, and was in a coma for almost a month.
Details of the Accident
Heverin remembers the day of the fall but not returning to the Airbnb. She had bought new running shoes and planned to sightsee with siblings. Her brother found her shoes at the door and discovered her in the courtyard below. It is believed she sleepwalked over the balcony edge.
Medical Journey and Recovery
After waking from her coma on May 17, she spent a month in a French hospital, then five months at Broadgreen Hospital for rehabilitation. Since November, she has been at Oak Vale Gardens, a specialist brain injury rehab centre. She has been diagnosed with ataxia, affecting coordination, balance, and speech.
“I couldn't walk. I had to relearn that, and I'm still learning,” Heverin said. “My talking has been affected. I have tremors in my hands.” She is largely wheelchair-bound but receives daily physiotherapy and speech therapy two to three times a week.
Impact on Family Life
Heverin lives at the rehab centre and visits her husband Michael and children Cian, nine, and Aaliyah, eight, on weekends. She is determined to return to everyday life but realistic about the lengthy recovery. “I miss the everyday things. Being there when they go to school and helping them get ready,” she said.
Fundraising and Support
Supported by The Brain Charity, Heverin plans a “coma to 5K” challenge—walking 5K over five days to raise funds. “I used to run 10Ks all the time just for fun,” she said. “I'm very motivated but also realistic.” Her fundraiser is on JustGiving.
