DESPITE suffering a devastating stroke closely followed by a brain haemorrhage, a car fanatic and racing enthusiast from Chipping Sodbury has relearnt how to walk, resume work and, crucially for him, drive again.

In 2014, father-of-two Edward Ruskin, 47, was alone at work restoring a racing car when he lost feeling in his arm.

His eyesight distorted then he collapsed. As he came to his previous voluntary work with Severn Ambulance Service kicked in and he realised he had experienced a stroke.

Eddie somehow managed to drive home and his wife Karen knew immediately called for an ambulance.

At Southmead Hospital he had to contend with partial paralysis.

Karen, teenage daughters, Lesley and Diana, and his parents have helped with his rehabilitation.

“I was sitting at home feeling useless. I was unsure of my role in society and it was hard to accept.

“I was learning to walk and that was grim. A stroke totally destroys your confidence.

“The thought of not being able to drive again, and do something I love, destroyed my world.”

But Eddie’s recovery was helped by his determination to return to work at his business Dynamic Moulds Ltd, in Frampton Cotterell.

Co-director of the business, Rob Jenkins, welcomed him back and tries to ensure that Eddie takes life a bit easier. Eddie recalled suffering an injury to his neck taking a corner too fast during a race. Severe headaches plagued him for a month before his admission to hospital.

Despite frustrations with current physical limitations he describes himself as “the luckiest man alive”. For now Eddie is thrilled that he can drive again and continue to progress with the help of his wonderful family.

Eddie will give a talk at the Stroke Association’s Supercar event on Saturday hoping to inspire other survivors to resume their passion for life.

Jayne Hughes, Stroke Association’s fundraising manager, said: “Supercar Saturday allows visitors to take a ride in a variety of cars around the super-fast track - it’s always an exciting event.”

It takes place at Castle Combe on Saturday, October, 29 (World Stroke Day).

Entry is £5, £2.50 for seniors, and free under-16s. For information visit: stroke.org.uk/events/sporting-fundraising/supercar-saturday