A DAD who was left paralysed by a mystery illness is finally learning to walk again.

It is two months since Paul Donaldson was struck down by a still undiagnosed illness, leaving him unable to move from the neck down.

The 44-year-old, from Caldewgate, Carlisle, has been in hospital in Newcastle ever since, desperately hoping the feeling would return to his arms and legs.

It gradually has, but he faces an uphill struggle to get his strength and movement back.

But Paul - who has now been transferred to Carlisle - was always determined he would walk again, and is already showing great progress.

He has just shared a video showing him walking on a special machine, with the help of physiotherapists at the Cumberland Infirmary.

He said: “It’s time to strengthen my legs and try to walk again. To say this has taken a lot of hard work and determination is an understatement.”

Paul, who is being spurred on by wife Kerry and three-year-old daughter Emily, said he has still had no confirmation as to why he was suddenly left paralysed, though doctors believe a virus attacked his spine and nervous system.

But Paul, who runs Carlisle Cult Cinema Club, said whatever it was, he just wants to concentrate on getting better.

He said: “I’m getting stronger. I now have more feeling and strength in my arms and hands. My left leg is getting stronger. Each day more feeling returns and I can now feel my foot more. My right leg is getting there slowly.”

Delivery driver Paul, who works for Hermes, initially thought he was having a heart attack.

It started with a numb, pins and needles sensation in his legs, then pain in his back and chest. Paul was taken to hospital, but tests showed his heart was fine. At that point they thought he may have pulled muscle in his chest and trapped nerve in his back.

While awaiting further tests he collapsed at home, after his legs gave way. His body started to go numb and he began to lose the use of his arms and hands. He described the experience as “absolutely terrifying” and kept hoping it was all a bad dream.

Paul has thanked friends and family for keeping him going throughout his ordeal, and said being able to see Kerry and Emily more often is making a huge difference.

He has also continued to work on the cinema club from his hospital bed.