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Johnâ??s meter is running

A self-employed taxi driver, who faced unemployment when a blood clot forced him to have his right leg amputated, is back on the road thanks to a local enterprise agency.

After two years working in the Eston and Normanby area, John Sudron found that his previous vehicle was no longer suitable, presenting a huge challenge on top of his medical recovery. He managed to get together the money to purchase a Vauxhall Vectra with an automatic gearbox, but the vehicle still required numerous specialist modifications before he could use it for work purposes.

John said: “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. “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.”

John was then introduced to Redcar & Cleveland Partnership, which administers a £10.9 million LEGI programme in co-operation with the Borough Council. He is now back on the road and working 16 hours a week thanks to a support and funding package from the LEGI programme.

Councillor Mark Hannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development on Redcar & Cleveland Council,said: “The 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 respray 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 & Cleveland.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .