A north-east man who battled back to health after being paralysed by a virus has launched a fundraising campaign for the people who helped get him “back on his feet”.
Derek Ledingham was struck down with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in March 2014, a rare virus that attacks the nervous system, which he picked up off the back of a cold.
Within days he lost control of his body, and was left fighting for his life in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s intensive care unit.
He was eventually transferred to Woodend Hospital’s neuro-rehabilitation unit (NRU) to begin his recovery.
The 42-year-old’s ordeal lasted about 14 months and he has only recently been able to walk independently and return to his job as a graphic designer at Tag Worldwide.
Now Mr Ledingham, of Portlethen, has organised a race night to raise money for the hardworking medical staff at NRU and the Horizons Rehabilitation Centre in Aberdeen.
Some of the money will also be donated to GBS charity, Gain.
He said: “It is good to get back with the guys at work and get all the gossip, back into the swing of things and back doing what I do.
“This time last year I was only just standing independently and could maybe go 10 to 15 yards with a walking aid, from that to now is a massive difference.
“I decided early on I wanted to put something back into the system since I took a lot out, and the guys at NRU and Hirizons and they are both NHS funded, they always need to get donations and get more support to help out people.”
Funds raised for NRU would go towards the renovation of its on-site garden, where Mr Ledingham enjoyed some time away from his hospital bed.
He said: “It was good for me when I was there to get out and get some fresh air. I’d like to do anything I can contribute towards that.
“I thought I’d give it to the guys who actually helped me. They got me on my feet and got me my life back. I am so grateful for what they did for me.
“If I can put something back for them, if I can help even one person then I am happy.”
The race night, which will also include a disco, buffet and live auction, will be held on October 9 at 7pm in the RUA Club on West Craibstone Street, Aberdeen. Tickets are £5.
Donations are also being accepted for his chosen causes at
http://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/derek-ledingham