BURLY Mark Shakeshaft was always on the go.
He worked as a drainage engineer and gave up all his free time, volunteering as a police special.
His dream of becoming a full time officer was shattered suddenly one morning when he suffered a massive brain haemorrhage.
He was only 32. He spent the next fortnight on a life support machine - medics feared he might not survive.
Mark astounded specialists by making a remarkable recovery - but has been left 90 per cent blind.
Two years on, he has written an information booklet to tackle the psychological problems facing stroke and haemorrhage victims. He is now looking for a publisher.
"I went through a terrible struggle," said Mark, of Edendale, Hough Green. "Hospital staff were fantastic but they knew nothing about the psychological feelings I was experiencing. I thought I was losing my mind. They just left me to suffer in silence."
Even when he came home, Mark still felt depressed.
"I found it very difficult. I spent the first six months doing nothing but crying. As a man, you're not expected to do that. I felt embarrassed but it just got to me. It was frightening.
"I still had flashbacks, panic attacks and hallucinations as a result of the haemorrhage."
It was only after discovering rehabilitation classes at Bridgewater Day Centre, that his recuperation finally began.
"I really enjoyed it," recalled Mark. "It was fantastic. I met such marvellous people. I made great friends with a couple of old chaps, they really helped me.
"It gives you hope. Even though I was blind, I had not been left disabled. I realised my problems weren't that bad."
With support and encouragement from his wife, Jackie, Mark was determined to pull through.
"If it hadn't been for Jackie, I don't know what I would have done. She dragged me out of some very awkward moments. I could not have pulled through without her."
Mark is now fluent in braille and has learnt to touch type and use a computer. He has been accepted for a course in business admin and hopes go back to work.
He attributes much of his increased confidence to his guide dog, Quantas.
"My mobility and confidence improved enormously as soon as I got my guide dog," said Mark.
"I fell in love with him straightaway. It is like having a friend there all the time. He has given me back my independence."
Mark is now hoping to get his information booklet published to raise funds for Springboard, a support group he helps to run for stroke victims.
"I want to help other people," said Mark. "I'm not medically qualified but I know what it feels like. I'd be only too happy to talk to other people. If they feel depressed, they can give me a ring and we can have a chat."
Anyone who can help Mark publish his booklet can phone him on 0151-510 3180.
Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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