A STROKE survivor is walking 100 laps of his Didcot garden to raise funds for the NHS.

John Inglett, who at the start of the year suffered a serious stroke on the right side of his brain, has embarked on the challenge to not only aid his recovery but give back to the Oxford hospital teams that have helped him.

The stroke had a big impact on his body and meant he needed major brain surgery at the John Radcliffe followed by rehabilitation at the Centre for Enablement based at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.

After months of therapy the 56-year-old was able to finally return home but he has never forgotten the staff that showed so much care towards him.

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His efforts have already raised more than £6,500 for Oxford Hospitals Charity.

He said: "During my three-month rehabilitation, I underwent extensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy and the care was just terrific from everybody.

"I decided to do this walk to give something back and say a great big thank you to all those involved in my recovery."

He added: "Walking for me is not easy, I have to use a quad stick and really concentrate and I also need the support of my family to help.

"It’s incredible to think that I have raised so much money, and it’s great to know that it will make a huge difference to other patients treated in the future. I will never be able to repay all the kindness and support and I just can’t thank staff enough."

Nicole Silvester from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: "We are delighted that his incredible efforts have already raised over £6,500 for the ward, which will help to fund a specialist hoist to help other patients."

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Senior Physiotherapist, Brid Spillane, said the physio team were 'immensely proud' of Mr Inglett's progress with his walking, adding: "We are extremely grateful to him, being able to purchase this specialist walking hoist will mean that our patients like John will be able to walk safer and sooner and not be limited to the parallel bars or the treadmill.

"Our patients will be able to practise more walking and balance tasks in real-life environments to maximise their independence and improve their quality of life.

"They will have free-range to explore the world on their feet.”

To support Mr Inglett's fundraising visit justgiving.com/fundraising/john-inglett