A dad who was left paralysed after having a wisdom tooth out has gone to great lengths to do his bit for charity.

Determined not to sit around and do nothing at home, Rob Stenhouse is covering the distance of 50 marathons in 50 days on an arm bike at Strood Sports Centre.

It was after a trip to the dentist in September 2010 that the dad-of-two’s life was turned upside down.

A bug in his mouth, called streptococcus, got into his blood stream causing an abscess to grow on his spine which could have been compounded by an allergy to antibiotics.

In January 2011 he woke up in agony and was rushed to hospital where it was discovered the growth had crushed his spinal cord, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.

Previously fit and active, wheelchair-bound Rob spent the most of that year in and out of specialist wards learning to cope with his disability.

What became of paramount importance to the 56-year-old was to keep active so he joined a gym, going twice a week.

He now works out seven days a week and since lockdown has taken on gruelling challenges to raise money for charity.

He has cycled thousands of miles for Cancer Research, Demelza children’s hospice and his latest event is to benefit Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Rob, of Main Road, Hoo, said: “Many people on chairs don’t do anything and put on weight. This has given me a purpose, a reason to get active and do something for good causes.

Rob had intended to do the distance of 30 marathons, but when he went past his target decided to continue.

He said: “I’m now on 38 and beginning to regret it.”

The former waste management company worker, who admits to loving his food and being well-built, believes his fitness regime has improved his agility.

He said he is getting increased movement in his legs and is now able to help around the house he shares with wife Karen and daughters Autumn, 25, and Tiffany, 23.

He’s also able to drive and is improving his swimming skills.

He can complete a marathon on the arm bike and burn off about 3,000 calories in an hour.

He is due to finish his latest challenge on Monday, June 19 and will then start thinking of what to do next.

He said: “I’ve always been upbeat with my disability. It is what it is.”