BARRY Devlin from Chandler's Ford is a remarkable man by any standards.

At the age of 57, he suffered a brain stem stroke which left him only able to move his eyelids.

His medical team were amazed he survived and it took many months of care and physiotherapy for Barry to reach the stage he is at today - able to volunteer at Eastleigh Community Services' Shopmobility project.

The role is very important to Barry, who says: "It gives me the opportunity to behave like the person I was, and at the same time to help others. I feel lucky as there are so many people worse off."

Barry has recovered his speech and, although still partially paralysed and a wheelchair user, he is a valuable member of the volunteer team that take phone inquiries, book out electric scooters and generally help Eastleigh Shopmobility clients.

Before his stroke, Barry had led an active life, spending 30 years in the police force before retiring with the rank of superintendent.

He then spent three years as a management consultant before becoming general manager of a London-based charity involved in complementary medicine.

The stroke meant major changes in his life, but six years on Barry is upbeat and positive about the future.

He says the Shopmobility scheme linked with Eastleigh Community Services' Dial-a-Ride service is a great combination, as it enables people who have mobility difficulties to remain independent and to get out and about under their own steam."