AFTER months of hard work, dedication and perseverance Bob Banks has managed to walk for the first time since suffering a stroke last December.

With the help of Dr Esther Fox of Tavistock and Lamerton Physio Clinics, and the support of family and friends, Mr Banks managed to get back on his feet.

Dr Esther Fox, who has a PHD in neurological physiotherapy, works with people who struggle to walk or have illnesses which affect their balance, such as Parkinson’s disease, MS, or strokes.

She had been working with Bob twice a week since he had the stroke and said that at Christmas Bob was bed bound, but over time he gradually started to improved.

They started on tasks such as sitting up, or perching on the edge of the bed. They then worked on getting Bob to stand up. After seven months of physiotherapy sessions with Esther, Bob was able to start taking steps again.

Dr Fox said: ‘The very best thing about being a physio is getting to see people walking again. Bob had a stroke at Christmas and with lots of hard work and dedication from him, we walked outside for the first time recently, we were both delighted.’