How shielding took away a Bucks man's job & impacted family life
Harry lost his spleen, an important part of the immune system, at 17-years-old
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
As shielding ends thousands of people in Buckinghamshire are now less restricted in their movements.
Vulnerable groups have been told they can now stop shielding, some have spent a year restricting their communication to the outside world to minimal levels.
This change in advice affects nearly 4 million people, including Harry from Buckinghamshire.
At 17-years-old he had his spleen removed after a bike accident, the spleen plays an important role in the bodies immune system so people without it are clinically vulnerable.
Harry says shielding took a strain on family and work:
"I got the shielding letter about 5 weeks after they said they had been sent out, so it was quite a shock and the wording was quite intense.
"It basically said I had to socially distance from my family inside our house, so leaving meals at my door and things like that.
"So it was a big thing for the family because of work but we did it all together. It was quite intense at the start but we got through it together.
"The most difficult part was actually work, as my boss didn't really believe in the virus.
"We had a good relationship and I reported directly to him but he would ask why I wasn't coming into work and that made it very stressful and difficult.
"When shielding was paused I went into the office once of twice a week and there was just no social distancing so I had to do everything I could to protect myself like wearing a mask all day.
"But it wasn't a great environment and in the end we came to mutual agreement about me leaving."
Shielding people will now be subject to the same restrictions in place for others, for example 6 people can meet outdoors or in a private garden.
However for people who have been shielding are still cautious.
Harry explains that although he is excited he will stay cuatious:
"I am still going to be cautious but having had the first dose of the vaccine and with the second coming up that is a big weight of my shoulders.
"Of course, we dont know how effective it is to some variants so I will still be careful but its a relief.
"I am really looking forward to getting back to work, setting myself up as a freelancer now I need to get back out there.
"I cant run out of money and I cant rely on the support schemes because its simply not enough money
"Just going out, enjoying life and not feeling so oppressed to stay indoors and stay away from people."