A pensioner has become the first winner of a gym’s member of the year award – 14 months after he suffered a stroke.

James Rutter, of Chegworth Gardens, Sittingbourne, has been a regular at the town’s Reynolds Fitness Spa since 2008.

In November 2013 he suffered a severe headache when he punctured a tyre while driving people to hospital as a volunteer.

After stopping and telling his passengers they needed to get a taxi, he walked home and that night went for a meal with his wife, Beryl.

Mr Rutter said: “I wasn’t quite right. I wasn’t talking very much and then I went home and went to bed.”

The next day his condition worsened while again behind the wheel of a car.

The father-of-three and grandfather-of-seven said: “Everything was slow and I knew something was wrong and I had to go home.”

His wife called NHS Direct when she saw him, who in turn called an ambulance.

Three days later, while at hospital, his symptoms became more serious and would leave him weak on his right side and unable to speak, write or recognise numbers or letters, or follow instructions.

As well as seeking help from a speech therapist, Mr Rutter was determined to get back in the gym.

He said: “I’ve always been that type of person. I would never give in.”

Reynolds Fitness Spa, in London Road, provided free sessions with personal trainer Martyn Neaves, who helped him to get back on the machines, build the strength in his right side and improve his balance.

Mr Neaves said: “I’ve got to hand it to this guy as a complete role model for everyone out there. James Rutter is living proof anything is possible if you put 110% in.”

The gym normally has a member of the month but decided to create a special distinction for the pensioner.

The 70-year-old has also been receiving support as a member of Swale Stroke Group, which meets at the Hope Street Centre in Hope Street, Sheerness, on the second and final Thursday of every month between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Group chairman Stuart Kitching advised anyone that if they or a loved one was having a “funny turn”, they should call the emergency services immediately because it improves the chances of victims recovering some of their functions.