Back to Reality

About the Book

The determination to overcome medical and personal set backs coupled with a stubborn belief in leading a normal life is a testimony to the will of someone not afraid to challenge the norm. This story is not for the faint hearted or people of a squeamish disposition but it has been written to give a variety of people with disabilities and those who have suffered strokes an insight into what can be achieved with hard work and the support of care-workers, family and friends. At the end of the day you will only get out what you put in, there are no quick fixes or miracle cures and you must have the will to succeed: nothing ventured, nothing gained. After all, life is for living and this applies for everyone; not just the able-bodied.

About the Author

Bernard was born 3 weeks before the start of the Second World War in the town of Redcar, Cleveland. At age 15 he began service in the RAF when he could not find work that appealed and as a boy entrant became a chef. He served for 12 years both home and abroad which included experiencing 3 H-bomb tests on Christmas Island in the late 1950s. On demobilisation from the forces he held numerous jobs until the birth of his second child when he settled on a career in driving instruction. Unfortunately suffering the first of two strokes brought about early retirement and he later lost his left leg from below the knee following an infection. These days he lives in Milton Keynes and keeps active working with local stroke support groups, swimming and gym exercise.