A CRITICAL illness and late diagnosis of autism led to a re-evaluation of a man's life and subsequently, the opening of a popular gaming cafe in St Helens town centre.
Suffering headaches for a couple of months, Ian Emery, from Wirral, signed up for a health examination for the Office of National Statistics in 2019, aged 54.
After worrying results, Ian's GP directed him to Arrowe Park Hospital for immediate testing, where the dad-of-two was informed he was critically ill.
Unaware of having any serious health condition, Ian was told he had suffered four transient ischaemic attacks (TIA), which are similar to strokes, and had suffered "significant brain damage".
READ MORE: Geek Retreat shop launches in St Helens town centre
Ian, who worked in project management for 25 years, had to undergo heart surgery and an intense rehabilitation programme which included muscle training and learning to walk again.
As part of his rehabilitation, Ian also had appointments with occupational therapists.
The results of his assessments informed Ian that he had "communication difficulties" and was found to be "quite high on the scale" for autism.
At the age of 54, such a diagnosis came as a revelation to Ian, but began to make more sense as he reflected on his life and the difficulties he faced in his childhood and social settings.
Following an acrimonious split from his then-employer, Ian found solace in the Geek Retreat gaming cafe in Wirral and was "taken aback by its friendly community".
With a lifelong love of the Dungeons and Dragons board game and a new-found awareness of the accepting culture at Geek Retreat, this led him to search for the right place to open a franchise of his own.
Along with the help of Chris Jones, also from Wirral, the pair opened Geek Retreat on Bridge Street in St Helens town centre in October 2021.
Opening the gaming cafe as an "inclusive and safe environment", Ian wanted to create a store that he wished he had during his youth.
With a focus on socially isolated people, LGBT groups, and those with disabilities, Geek Retreat customers are also offered support via regular drop-in sessions with local services such as Citizens Advice, mental health professionals and Torus housing.
Although the Bridge Street store has had difficulties with anti-social behaviour earlier in the year, Ian said that an increased police presence has made a significant impact on this and customers are once again feeling safe to return to the cafe.
READ MORE: Reduced anti-social behaviour keeping Geek Retreat in St Helens
Ian, now 57, said: "Looking back on my youth, I was often sat in the corner with difficulties making friends and I didn't have a place like Geek Retreat to come to.
"We all get setbacks in life and I want to demonstrate to our customers that these don't need to be a hindrance to you.
"Since opening in St Helens, a lot of like-minded people come into the store as a place to meet and socialise.
"They speak highly of how supportive and accepting our staff are, and many of them call it their 'third place' after home and school."
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