Tracey and Garry Deimert, Bridgwater, explain what life is like ten years after memory loss incident

How to make a cup of tea, doing the dishes, or using the washing machine might all be second nature to you.

But for Tracey Deimert and her family, who live in Bridgwater, she has had to spend the last ten years trying to remember who she is, as well as how to boil the kettle.

OLD TIMES: Tracey and Garry with their two children 

On September 28 2009, Tracey was doing the usual school run, but on return to her parents house in Bridgwater, she collapsed.

She spent six weeks in a coma, with her family around her - expecting the worst.

When she finally woke up, she didn’t recognise her husband Garry, or her two sons.

It’s still not known to this day what caused Tracey’s condition, but it’s something she still struggles with in her day-to-day life, after losing her independence.

Mr Deimert said: “We thought that was it. We were told that after two weeks that’s how it was going to be. Very rarely there is improvement after that.”

Tracey now has a pacemaker which gives them a bit of peace of mind, and doctors think it is unlikely to happen again.

But she now struggles with her motor skills, cannot go back to work as an optician, and needs assistance to complete everyday tasks, with the help of Brunelcare.

Mrs Deimert said: “It’s very frustrating.

“I decided to go for a walk by myself the other day, but I found I didn’t know where I was and our neighbour luckily found me and took me home.

“I’ve had to rediscover who I am again, and what I love and dislike.”

Despite Tracey not being able to remember the first 37 years of her life, and spending the last ten years foggy, the family were amazed that she was still able to recall lyrics from her favourite songs.

Devoted husband Garry said: “She’s very similar now to what she was before.

“Things that annoyed her still do and she loves the same things.

“She sounds the same, too.”

Mr Deimert said the community in Pyrland Walk were very supportive, and Tracey also spends time at an active living day centre.

But the situation has taken a toll on the family, as the pair have two children who were four and 10 at the time she lost her memory.

Mr Deimert said: “It was very hard on the boys. It was like they lost their mother but then had to help find her again.

“We were just getting into the swing of things when it happened, the kids were off to school, our social life was coming back together, and then it got ripped apart again.”

It wasn’t until very recently Garry started to focus on himself again.

MEMORIES: Tracey and Garry on their wedding day 

Tracey added: “We are always reminiscing. Looking at photos, even my own wedding photos I asked who was in them.

“I can get a bit tearful sometimes, there’s a lot of emotions.”

Her message now is to never give up, as she remains hopeful about her very unique circumstances.

“Don’t give up,” she said: “People get down about a lot of things, but my message is always keep going.”

Garry added: “I don’t think we could have kept going if Tracey hadn’t have been so positive throughout it all.”