WHEN Grandfather, Derek Bell, suffered a mini-stroke he knew he had to change his lifestyle if he wanted to see his grandson, Thom, 8, grow up.

So the 80-year old visited his local recycling centre and bought an old chopper bike, which he restored and now rides to his allotment.

“I am fitter now than I’ve ever been,” says young at heart Derek.

“My wife Dot and I walk where we can, and I ride the bike down to my allotment, which keeps me really fit.

Daily Echo:

Derek at his allotment

“The allotment is hard work, but it’s worth it when you get to eat the results of your effort. Growing your own fruit and veg beats what you can buy in the shops, hands down.

“And as a bonus, I feel much healthier now, and can spend more time with Thom, who is football mad!”

Derek and Dot, from Romsey, have been married, with two daughters, for 56 years. And Derek – a former quality control engineer – is hoping his new found fitness and healthier lifestyle means he has a lot more years left to enjoy his family.

“When I had the stroke, my doctor told me that it was a warning sign and I had to change. I knew he was right.”

Derek had always been healthy, apart from an episode of pericaditis, inflammation around the heart, in the 1980s. He then had a heart attack in 2000, followed by a severe rupture, a trapped umbilical intestine, which he describes as the worst pain he has experienced, and the Transient Ischaemic Attack, or mini-stroke three years ago.

Following this, Derek was asked to take part in an NHS research study to evaluate a new rehabilitation programme for patients who had suffered a mini-stroke. The eight-week programme consisted of weekly exercise and education classes providing advice.

Derek says that it was here that he realised the importance of looking after himself. He and Dot swapped sugary cereals and fried breakfasts for fruit and muesli and became much more active, which included riding his new bike.

“I consider myself a walking advert for the collective good work of the NHS,” says Derek. “I have been saved, for want of a better word, on so many occasions.”

Since taking part in the programme Derek’s quality of life has dramatically improved, and he was so inspired by his transformation that he is now a member of his local PPI [ Patient Participation and Involvement Group], which provides a patient voice on topical health issues.

“When I joined the group I was totally gobsmacked by how ex-patients contributed,” explains Derek.

“And the sense of support, involvement and belonging by all was inspiring. I am convinced that this should be encouraged.

“So many people complain about the NHS, but where would we be without it? I know I wouldn’t be here now.

“I see this as my opportunity to give something back.

“My quality of life has definitely improved. If I had the chance to take part in more research then I certainly would – you’re never too old.

“It’s given me a new lease of life and I feel great because of it.”

Daily Echo:

Derek and his wife, Dot

If you would like to get involved, please visit: crn.nihr.ac.uk

Stroke factfile

Stroke is the third largest cause of death in the UK.

There are approximately 152,000 strokes in the UK every year – more than one every five minutes.

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability  -more than half of all stroke survivors are left dependent on others for everyday activities.

High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke, contributing to about 50 per cent of all strokes.

One in five strokes are fatal – causing about 7 per cent of deaths in men and 10 per cent of deaths in women. 

For every 1,000 patients who receive thrombolysis, a clot busting treatment, 80 will live more independently.