A STROKE survivor supported in his recovery by the community of Ilkley has been given a prestigious award in recognition of his courage.

Richard Lampert was just 18, and an A-level student at Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton, when he was struck down with viral myocarditis, resulting in heart failure and a major stroke.

His road to recovery was with the help of friends who started a trust fund for his specialist treatment, and he went on to become a sailing instructor, and take up a career in IT.

Mr Lampert, who now lives with his wife in Bedfordshire, was recently presented with a Stroke Survival Courage Award by the Stroke Association, in recognition of the example and inspiration he has demonstrated over the past twenty seven years.

His parents, Geoffrey and Anne, who still live in Ilkley, want to again thank those local people for their their generosity and support, as well as bring them up to date on Richard’s success.

After taking ill in 1987, Mr Lampert needed an urgent heart transplant, which was carried out at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

With his left side paralysed, he used a wheelchair which slowly regaining the use of his leg, arm and hand, assisted by physiotherapy using the ‘Bobath’ approach to neurological rehabilitation.

He was treated at the Younger Disabled Unit, then located in Skipton, and received private treatment in London.

Geoffrey Lampert said: “Living in Ilkley at the time of his illness, many local people supported his recovery through anonymous contributions to a trust fund set up by friends to meet the cost of specialist stroke recovery therapy in London.”

After a year, Richard had gained sufficient mobility to attend Leeds Polytechnic as a disabled student, achieving an HND in Information Technology in 1991.

After a period working in IT, he set out to become a sailing instructor. Entering the UK Sailing Academy at Cowes, he qualified as Senior Dinghy Instructor, also Power Boat and Assistant Windsurfing Instructor He then worked for several years at water sports centres on the South Coast and in the Midlands.

He later went on to his career in IT, working at the Open University in Milton Keynes on systems introduction and staff training. During his employment there he also studied for and obtained a B.Sc.

Failing health, due possibly to long term use of anti-rejection drugs, led him to gain early retirement and a long term disability pension from the OU in 2012.

Richard’s wife, Wendy, when putting him forward for the award, said: “Even when the odds were against him, Richard had shown that with determination, fighting spirit and a positive attitude remarkable things can be achieved – he is an amazing inspiration and husband.”

The Stroke Association’s awards recognise the achievements of everyone affected by stroke, celebrating stroke survivors.