A former footballer told he would never walk again after a brain tumour has defied doctors by taking unaided steps and is now dreaming of one day running again.
David Bloomfield, 37, played midfield for Diss Town Football Club and was a business development manager for Santander bank when his world was turned upside down.
In November 2013 he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour after suffering from headaches and blackouts.
Whilst a 12-hour operation at Addenbrooke's Hospital to remove the tumour saved his life, it affected his ability to talk coherently and walk unaided.
At the time of his diagnosis, aged 32, he had been the father of two young children, an avid gym-goer and ran five miles a day but after a further course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he was told by doctors he would never walk again.
Against the odds and doctors' predictions, Mr Bloomfield, who grew up in Diss but now lives in Norwich with his wife Toni, 37, daughters Coco, seven, and Kiki, five, and son East, two, determinedly battled on and is now walking again unaided.
"I was very determined, as he was talking I remember thinking 'I'll prove you wrong!'" he recalls of the moment he was told he received the prognosis.
The years since have been a determined struggle to get back on his feet including a special programme at a Norwich gym.
"I'd like to give a special mention to Elliott Roe at Bannatyne Norwich West, who has helped me immensely," said Mr Bloomfield.
"Through his guidance I have been able to walk a few steps unaided, proving the professional experts wrong.
"I'm looking forward to conquering my new goal that I've set myself, to be able to run again, and I'm also focusing on supporting others in similar situations through The David Bloomfield Foundation."
Mr Roe said: "David has worked incredibly hard and the proof is in the progress he has made. Despite what health professionals told him, he has persevered and managed to take a couple of unaided steps which is remarkable."
Mr Bloomfield said: "The years have been very tough mentally and physically but I've got a good support network of positive people around me.
"It must have been so hard for everyone, especially Toni and my mum and dad."
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