Westcountry author, David M. Hinds, who lives in the Cornish fishing village of Polperro, will this week see an amazing and hard-won dream come true. In 1995 David, a former stress management consultant and company chairman, suffered two paralysing strokes and was unable to read, write or comprehend the written word.
From his hospital bed, he promised himself that he would not be paralysed for life: he would make a complete recovery and then write a book showing others how they can do the same. And he has!
Last week saw the UK publication of his book, 'After Stroke', to be followed by the US launch of the paperback in the Spring.
The book was launched last Saturday at the Old Mill House Hotel, Polperro. Sir Peter Morris, FRCS, FRS - a world authority on stroke and the Nuffield Professor of Surgery at the University of Oxford, who surgically reconstructed the blood flow to the author's brain - says, in the foreword:
"In this remarkable book (Mr Hinds) describes his reaction to the stroke and how he managed to cope with all the problems associated with a major stroke. Furthermore, it is expressed in a way that will make it invaluable not only for people who have had a stroke, but also their carers."
Mr Hinds suffered two paralysing strokes, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted - a painless but devastating occurrence which can end in death.
Mr Hinds remarkable recovery, which involved having to re-learn to read, has been recorded in detail in his book which could help many sufferers and their families recover from such a serious illness.
After Stroke is published by Thorsons and is available in paperback at £9.99.