His job as a fireman means he's called to emergencies. But out of uniform in a small corner of Hartlepool he is making just as big a difference to people's lives. He helps stroke victims to regain their independence.

MARK PAYNE found out more.

DAVEY Veitch is a determined man.

He is determined to make sure stroke victims have the best life they can possibly muster.

Billingham man Davey is very much an integral part of a groundbreaking private stroke rehabilitation service.

He and his colleagues at the Fitness Connexions gym on Brenda Road, Hartlepool, are involved in the only facility of its kind outside of the NHS.

The firefighter of 18 years said: "Stroke affects everyone in different ways. You can lose your sight, speech and hearing and affects mobility.

"It robs you of your independence. The main age range for stroke patients is 45 to 65 and they are very proud people.

"It takes away a certain level of that pride because they have to rely on people and relatives to take them to the toilet and help them out of bed and the bath."

Davey first flexed his healing muscles in the 1980s when he worked with amputees as an RAF remedial fitness instructor.

He developed his skills further at Teesside University and joined the fire service in 1990.

After spending 10 years at Hartlepool he is now watch manager at Stockton Fire Station.

But he comes back to Hartlepool every Saturday and during the week for the rehabilitation service which also helps people affected by spinal injuries.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off and cells are damaged or die.

People who are obese and smoke are among those most at risk.

Strokes are the leading cause of severe disability affecting more than 250,000 people in the UK.

Davey said: "Stroke is a big issue and is becoming a greater one because of increasing levels of obesity which puts extra strain on the body.

"It is all linked to obesity or a lack of activity."

But the Hartlepool's rehabilitation service, running now for five years, helps sufferers to get back on their feet.

Patients are gently taught to relearn what their body has forgotton through a range of physiotherapy and walking exercises.

The small team of fitness instructors and physiotherapists also work with stroke victims' families providing information and teaching them exercises sufferers can do at home.

Davey, 44, added: "After a stroke what suffers as a result of the initial injuries is the cardio vascular system such as the heart and lungs.

"We make sure people are not being sectioned off in the community and all work together as a team to get someone back to a level of normality.

"We work alongside the NHS and have their blessing. They know they can send people to us and there is positive feedback in both directions.
"There is no other facility that I'm aware of like it certainly in the North East of England. We are like one big family."

In time, usually anything between six and 18 months, stroke sufferers start to see results.

Davey added: "The timescale for recovery varies with each person and is down to their drive and enthusiasm.

"It is very gratifying when you see someone progress from a wheelchair to a walking frame to a stick and then walking independently again.
"It is something I am very passionate about."

The classes cost between £20 and £25 a session with all money going towards buying new equipment and paying the rent.

For more information about the stroke and spinal injury rehabilitation service contact Fitness Connexions on (01429) 232222.