Dad Stephen's a walking miracle

STEPHEN on his long road to recovery

A DAD OF FIVE is back on his feet after being struck down with a rare debilitating condition two years ago.

Having endured pain and persevered through trials, Stephen Lane (58) said he "felt like Lazarus" as he walked unaided at his Moorside home.

Experts told Mr Lane, who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in August 2014, he was "one of the worst cases" medics had seen.

The keen footballer was left in a coma and paralysed from the neck down after his body's immune system attacked part of his nervous system.

But the determined dad and husband resolved he would walk again before Christmas. And he succeeded.

Mr Lane said: "I felt like Lazarus.

"It had been two years and three months to the day since I had walked.

"I've achieved a massive goal, one which I was unsure I could achieve."

Last week, the Manchester City fan visited the gym for the first time since his diagnosis. Supportive friends and family have described him as an "inspiration."

With financial support, a major house adaptation is under construction to make movement and everyday tasks that little bit easier.

More than £17,000 was fundraised for a ground-floor extension incorporating a bedroom, wet room, kitchen extension and garden access at his home.

Mr Lane has visited a neuro-specialist surgeon every six months and also received help from physiotherapists, friends and family.

But the triumph has not been without its struggles and Mr Lane has had to overcome several hurdles, including the loss of independence and accepting help with many basic functions.

Mr Lane, who formerly travelled the Middle East with his job for an importer, said: "The shock of onset overnight was one of the hardest elements.

"Psychologically it was very difficult.

"I felt very lonely, even though I had people around me.

"The lack of accurate prognosis was also difficult as there is no real timeline for GBS and the very slow recovery rate has been frustrating."

Wife Deborah (46), a support worker, said: "We are taking one day at a time.

"But he sets himself reachable goals and he always gives 110 per cent.

"He is so strong."

While progress has been gradual, Mr Lane noted moving his arm for the first time in March 2015, standing upright with assistance in June 2015 and walking with a Zimmer frame in May last year.

"Surviving" a fall in October motivated him in the weeks which led to his spectacular feat of walking unaided on Monday, December 21.

He captured the moment in a video clip which readers can view in the online version of the Oldham Chronicle article.

Mr Lane said on social media: "When I finally came home from hospital last Christmas after 16 months, I set myself a series of goals.

"The most difficult was to walk unaided by Christmas.

"My physiotherapist doubted I would do it.

"But I proved him wrong, with five weeks to spare.

"I was so emotional.

"Thanks to all."