A CRUSADING health and disability champion who founded Britain’s biggest stroke club is leaving Halton.

Stroke victim Bob Bryant, aged 66, and his wife, Carole are fulfilling their lifelong dream to retire in Devon.

Former Halton Cllr Bob has served on countless health and hospital committees and raised thousands of pounds for the disabled, charities, patients and medical equipment.

He has fought injustice and campaigned on many health and community issues.

He says he couldn’t have achieved so much without the help and support of residents and businesses across Runcorn and Widnes.

Wheelchair bound Bob, of Claremont Drive, said: “The people of this borough are so generous, it’s unreal.

“It’s been my life for the last 30 odd years.

“The feedback from people has been unbelievable.”

Former tanker driver Bob was only 32 when he suffered the first of five strokes.

He founded the Let’s Go stroke club 17 years ago, organising social evenings, holidays, outings, funding a coach and holiday home and helping members to combat problems.

Bob said: “It’s given me back more than I could ever have imagined.

“It’s given me a function to keep going. Other stroke and disabled people were relying on me.

“People who suffer strokes feel so isolated. We know what it is like.

“We had a social fund so if members fell on hard times, we helped out confidentially with funeral costs, rent or a fridge.”

He said he was honoured to receive the British Empire Medal from the Queen last year for services to stroke survivors.

Bob says he couldn’t have survived without the support of his wife, Carole, aged 62, and their 32-year-old son, Roy.

He added: “I wouldn’t be here without Carole.

“She took a year out from work to look after me.

“I’ve never been able to kick a football with my son. He’s lifted me in and out of the bath and done all sorts.

“We always said when we retire we’d go to Devon.

“It’s not been an easy decision but we just want to spend quality time together.”