Bob Sheridan said it's an understatement that it was hard when he lost the use of his left side after a stroke more than five years ago.
But, it was continual exercise, and his mobility scooter, which got him back to independence.
"If you can be lucky, I am," said Bob.
He lifted his leg to show how much movement he had got back, but it wasn't overnight that Bob regained his independence. "You have to listen to the physios, and exercise.
"Sometimes you think they are trying to kill you. And you can't give in," he said.
Bob now lives in the Maryann Rest Home in Stratford.
It wasn't a hard decision for Bob because his wife was on her way to hospital and he couldn't look after himself.
Bob loves the mobility his scooter has given him and you'll see him out and about in Stratford when the weather is fine.
The bonus is he returns home every morning to visit his wife.
There's one other person that Bob thanks for his return to independence - Maryann manager Jeanette Robins.
"Jeanette encouraged me with exercise. She's one of a kind."
However, there is one misgiving in all of this for Bob.
There was no post-stroke group in Stratford.
"I could not see anything in front of me after my stroke. I could only see the forest, not the trees."
"I did not know I could progress like I have, and I'm sure I could help someone in this situation."
For the former accountant who was as fit as a flea (and they can jump); played golf four times a week and walked one-and-a-half to two hours every day, he is adamant you can't give in.
"Never back down is one of my theories in life."
When Bob retired he is now aged 73, he found the thought scary, because he had worked long hours.
"I loved work, and you have to do what you like and be happy. I did not know how I was going to fill in the day." Bob has found plenty to do and his life is full.
And he'd love to dance at his daughter's wedding.
"I keep saying to myself never say never."
Never say never
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