A man who “refuses to be wheelchair-bound” after a stroke has been awarded for his incredible progress by the Redbridge Stroke Club.

Tilak Raj Sharma was given the Kaye Endeavour Shield, which is awarded every year to the member who has made the most noticeable progress.

Club chairman Alan Kaizer said: “Raj has improved his relationships with club members and his confidence has been building markedly.

“He is also improving his physical skills by walking and is refusing to be totally wheelchair-bound.”

The shield, made by stroke survivor David Kaye, is engraved with the words “dum spiro spero”, meaning “whilst I breathe, I hope”, which was adopted as the club’s motto.

Raj also received a small replica shield to keep and £10 cash.

The Redbridge Stroke Club is run by volunteers to support people who have suffered a stroke, their carers and families.

Members are welcome to weekly social meetings, which include light exercise. There are also opportunities to join speech, language and memory stimulation classes.

Coach trips and social events are organised throughout the year.

• For information on joining the club, call 020 8220 5878.