Cruel blow for paralysed dad after cancer diagnosis

DAUGHTER RAISING FUNDS FOR WHEELCHAIR

-  PAIGE OLDFIELD

A "PERFECTLY healthy" dad who was left paralysed after being diagnosed with a rare disease is now fighting cancer in a tragic double blow.

Stephen Collier was out walking his dog when he felt pins and needles all over his body in December 2014. Once home, the 64-year-old began struggling to breathe and was rushed to hospital.

Soon after his arrival, Stephen stopped breathing. In order to save his life, doctors placed him into a coma one he would not wake up from until six months later.

When he came round, Stephen was told he had Guillain-Barre syndrome. The serious condition affects the nerves and impacts a sufferer's feet, hands and limbs. Though some people make a full recovery, it can be life-threatening or cause long-term problems.