David credits NHS, his family and positivity for his recovery

Among the many people amazed by David’s remarkable recovery are the staff at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow.

Consultant clinical oncologist Dr Graeme Lumsden has been seeing him as a patient for years and said his transformation was remarkable.

He underlined the scale of his recovery by likening him to Lazarus, the biblical figure restored to life by Jesus four days after his death.

“If you asked any oncologist how many times they have seen somebody back walking and independent after having no power in their legs, they would tell you how rare this is,” he said.

“In my 12 years as an oncologist, there was only one other occasion when I was training when I can remember anything similar, that’s why he got called Lazarus.

“He absolutely surprised us, beyond a doubt. We’ve seen him a lot over the past few years and you could tell as he got power back in his legs, he was determined to keep getting more mobile.

“He would come in with a stick one day and the next he’d come in with a bruise on his face or arm because he said he’d been out walking up a hill and I’d say ‘whoa, take it easy!’. “He is an inspiration. “At times like this the NHS can be applauded for the huge team of people who were involved, including my consultant colleague Dr Lucy Scott, clinical nurse specialist Lynn Bryson, chemotherapy nurses and many others who provide vital input into the care of patients.”

David says a positive mindset has played a key role in his revival but also acknowledges there are many people who helped him along the way.

He said that without the support of his family – including his ex- wife Marjorie and daughters Sharon and Lorna – he wouldn’t have mustered the courage to try to get his old lifestyle back. During the tough time from his first steps around his bedroom to regaining his independence he also received a lot of help from the Ayrshire Hospice and is still a regular visitor there.

David spoke at the Scottish Parliament on behalf of the hospice last November about the good work they are doing from a patient’s perspective.

Hospice physiotherapist Heather Hardie said: “David is a motivated, driven man who knows what he would l i k e to be able to do and makes every effort towards achieving this.

“All that myself, Claire Miller and Claire Goldie did as physiotherapists was give him the chance and means to try within a safe environment to stand and walk again.

“David did all the hard work. When he faced knockbacks his attitude