A SELF-EMPLOYED taxi driver has battled back from having a leg amputated to return to work.

John Sudron faced the prospect of losing his livelihood when a blood clot in his right leg forced him to have it amputated.

The father of two, from Eston, Teesside, managed to save enough money to buy a car with an automatic gearbox but still needed several specialist modifications, including a swivel seat, before he could consider returning to work.

 But now, after a £2,000 grant and business mentoring from Redcar and Cleveland's local enterprise growth initiative (EGI), Mr Sudron is working 16 hours a week, driving around the Eston and Normanby area.

"When you've faced something like losing a leg and learning to walk again, it's stressful to think that you might lose your livelihood as well,"

said Mr Sudron.

"I faced the prospect of losing my income simply because my car had a manual gearbox, but I've never been the type of person who would just sit back and let that happen. I was determined to return to work."

He was introduced to Redcar and Cleveland Partnership, which administers the £10.9m EGI programme, which provides business support in the area, in co-operation with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Councillor Mark Hannon, the council's cabinet member for economic development, said: "The EGI team were able to get John back on the road by helping him to compile a business plan, which led in turn to financial support for a re-spray of his new car, a taxi meter and the necessary modifications so that he could drive.

"With his genuine passion for the job and determination to succeed in the face of adversity, John is a great example of what we are trying to achieve, promoting a spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship in Redcar and Cleveland."

Mr Sudron said he is grateful for the support from EGI.

"For a relatively small investment, they've empowered me to earn a living doing the job that I love. Without the grant and the business support, I wouldn't have been able to return to the taxi business," he said.

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