I have been retired for 15 years.

I was awarded a Fellowship in 1973 to study the rehabilitation of the spinally injured at various centres throughout Europe, including one establishment located in eastern Europe.

I was, at the time of my Fellowship, a senior remedial gymnast at the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Pinderfields General Hospital in Wakefield. In 1973 I took an additional qualification in physiotherapy. My dual qualification and my Fellowship experience led to my gaining the position of superintendent physiotherapist in charge of the aforementioned centre following the retirement of my predecessor, a position I held up until my retirement at 60.

I am still active in the spinal injury field and have recently been asked to become Vice-President of SPINE, having previously been the group's co-founder and chairman.

In addition, I was asked to take the role as national coach to the Paralympic Athletics Team through the 1970, 1974, 1978 and 1982 Commonwealth Games, and overall deputy team manager for Great Britain in 1986 and during other World Games.

I will always be grateful to the Fellowship for honouring me with an award.