Life Changing

Tony Kofi, a renowned jazz saxophonist from a musically-inclined Ghanaian family, shares his journey from aspiring carpenter to musician after a near-fatal fall. He vividly recounts a life-changing vision during his accident that sparked his passion for music. Tony discusses his struggles with self-teaching saxophone and ultimately earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. He also reflects on the joy of musical improvisation, comparing it to the thrill of free falling, highlighting the liberating connection creativity brings.

Sheetal Surti, who has lived with vitiligo since childhood, shares her transformative journey of self-acceptance. She recalls the emotional turmoil of being diagnosed at seven, the societal stigma she faced, and her struggles with identity amidst changing appearances. Treatment options often proved painful and ineffective, leading her to hide her feelings instead. A turning point at 35 prompted her to confront her past, embrace her identity, and find strength through community support, ultimately fostering newfound confidence and empowerment.

Keith Williams, known as Keith ‘y Glo’, is the son of a Welsh coal merchant who discovered in his forties that he was the son of a Malaysian prince. His riveting journey delves into the complexities of identity after searching for his birth mother and uncovering royal ties to the Sultan of Perak. With emotional reunions and nostalgic reflections, Keith discusses the contrasts between his coal merchant upbringing and potential royal life. His story emphasizes love, belonging, and the beauty of family connections.

Charlie Wilson, a finance professional from Aberdeen, shares his incredible journey after suffering a massive stroke at 44, which left him with no memories of his previous life. He candidly discusses the emotional weight of memory loss and the slow, often frustrating road to recovery. Charlie talks about relearning everyday tasks and how he rebuilt his identity, highlighting the importance of resilience and communication. Now back in finance, he cherishes creating new memories with his family, finding joy in his second chance at life.

Harriet Ware-Austin, a human rights consultant, shares her traumatic experience of losing her two sisters in a plane crash at just ten years old. She vividly recounts the moment of farewell and the heartbreak that followed, shaping her family's journey through grief. Harriet discusses her decision to track down survivors and relatives of the victims, probing into how that tragedy altered their paths. She reflects on the challenges of discussing death, grief, and how those experiences galvanized her passion for advocating against violence and promoting open conversations about loss.

Jane Garvey talks to Tony O’Reilly about the time he was forced to confront his spiralling addiction.Tony O’Reilly is from County Carlow in the Republic of Ireland. He placed his first bet at the age of 24. It was 1998 and like many, he was watching the World Cup. He and a mate put a pound on Kluivert to score the first goal in the Netherlands - Argentina quarter final and a final result of 2-1. He won. And so began his relationship with gambling. It started as a bit of fun at the weekend but years later, once he’d got an online account, the betting escalated rapidly and soon turned in to a full-on addiction.On his wedding day, Tony believed he’d lost all the money that was to pay for the event. He was saved when a horse he’d backed came from nowhere to win at the Epsom Derby. And so his addiction remained a secret. Now, with mounting debts and a baby on the way, Tony started to steal from his employer in a desperate attempt to try and win and pay everything back. By the end he had stolen 1.75 million Euros. On the day the auditors arrived to check the accounts Tony went on the run.He ended up in prison, his marriage fell apart and he lost his home but he never placed another bet. Now, a decade on, Tony is a full-time gambling addiction counsellor with Extern Problem Gambling and gives talks at secondary schools about the dangers of betting.Details of organisations offering information and support with addiction are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000 155 947Do you have an extraordinary story that you’d like to share? You can contact the programme at Lifechanging@bbc.co.ukImage credit: @Photocall Ireland

Grace Spence Green, a 25-year-old trainee doctor, shares her harrowing experience of being critically injured when a man fell on her in a shopping center. She recounts her surreal recovery, the struggle of adjusting to life in a wheelchair, and the emotional turmoil that followed. Grace's surprising reactions to her trauma and the support she received reveal a profound depth of resilience. She also confronts issues surrounding ableism in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and identity in her journey.

Explore remarkable real-life stories of extraordinary transformations and resilience. Hear inspiring anecdotes of individuals facing unimaginable events with bravery and hope. Each tale reveals the power of overcoming life's surprises, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own life-changing moments.