A COURAGEOUS man whose horrendous health problems left him a prisoner in his own home says becoming a volunteer has helped him rebuild his life.

Andy, who asked not to use his surname, says volunteering has helped him build the courage to leave the house once again.

When he was 15 years old he left school in Witham with plans to join the Army.

But his dreams were dashed when an eye test a few months later gave a diagnosis of keratoconus – a progressive disease that distorts vision.

Andy, who is 50, married in his 20s and was raising a family when he also began suffering from severe psoriasis – a painful skin condition.

It coincided with deterioration in his eyesight which led to six unsuccessful transplant operations and he was soon forced to spend time in hospital due to his conditions.

He also started suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and strong medication left him with chronic kidney and liver damage.

His conditions affected him physically and mentally, and affected his ability to work, with much of his time spent in bed due to severe pain.

He would only leave the house to buy food and eventually separated from his wife. Andy said: “There were times when I didn’t want to live.”

But then, in 2015, while living in Witham, he received a call that would change his life.

He said: “The Job Centre contacted me and my assigned work coach told me about Abberton Rural Training courses.

“When I got out of hospital, I wanted to build my life up again. I was really out of my comfort zone, but I thought ‘I’ll do it’, even though I want to stay at home.”

“I was offered the opportunity to teach unemployed people a range of skills, including trades and conservation, and being their first port of call when they arrive.

“I enjoy the smiles on the faces of the people taking part – it’s really good fun.

“It’s my passion. There is lots of potential for people who are isolated or ill. After a couple of weeks everyone is smiling and they can’t get enough of the place.”

He also helps Greenfields housing association as a chair-based exercise buddy and took part in a cooking project this summer to help families eat on a budget.

He also lost half of his bodyweight by going from 30 to 15 stone since he started volunteering.

Project chief executive Jacqui Stone describes Andy as their “weapon”. She said: “When people first arrive, we set Andy on them if they’re reluctant or scared. He gets to another level, as his story resonates.”