A MAN raising money to buy an electric wheelchair following a series of catastrophic strokes has been presented with a cheque.

The Furness Lions Club presented former soldier Neil Jones with a cheque for £2,000.

Mr Jones, a dad from Barrow, had to have parts of his skull removed when he suffered the strokes that left him in a coma last year.

He was previously handed an award for bravery by Cumbria Police after he chased down a sex offender.

Last year he suffered a catastrophic stroke that left him paralysed on his left side.

He spent eight months in hospital and neurological rehabilitation returning home on December 23.

The club's president Sheila Rockley visited Mr Jones to present him with the cheque. 

Mr Jones is raising money to buy the wheelchair to allow him greater independence.

It is estimated to cost nearly £10,000. 

An online fundraising page has so far raised more than £1,500.

The three strokes, which happened last April, resulted in him being paralysed on his left side.

Mr Jones is on the mend following a long stint in hospital. 

During treatment he had to have parts of his skull removed to relieve swelling.