A father left paralysed by routine back surgery has vowed to “never let the smile fall off” as he tries to raise £35,000 for his care.

Kelvyn Peysner, of Lexington Close, Borehamwood, was left without movement in his arms and legs after having an operation to repair a problem with his neck in April 2014.

After a long stay in hospital he was allowed back to the home he shares with his wife, Shelly, and sons, Jared, 19 and Ryan, 16, who he says are a “wonderful” support.

But he needs to buy a range of equipment – including an £18,000 specialised exercise bike – which would help give him a new lease of life.

The 59-year-old, who uses a wheelchair, said: “When I woke up from the operation, my whole body felt like a big block of lead.

“I was anxious in those first few months but I took it in my stride and accepted it was going to be a life-changer. Believe it or not, I managed to stay calm.

“My life is so different now to how it was then, but I refuse to be miserable and to wallow in it. I’ll never let the smile fall off my face and I’ll always keep my spirits high.”

Dr Peysner had spent 20 years working as a GP but had to give up the job he “loves” after the operation.

He also now has a live-in-carer and the family room in his home has been converted into a bedroom complete with a hoist and a specialised bed.

As well as the exercise bike, he also needs a vibration pad costing £1,000, £5,000 towards a car to accommodate his larger wheelchair, £7,000 for a stair lift and £4,000 for extra physiotherapy.

He added: “It would give me so much more independence. The support I’ve had from my family is brilliant, but a stair lift means I could go back upstairs for the first time in a long time.

“The exercise bike is the main thing I need the money for, though. I could use my arms and hands to strengthen those core muscles and could eventually stand and walk a few feet alone again.

“There’s no guarantee I’ll ever be able to walk properly again so I’ve got to make the best of it.”

Before the operation, Dr Peysner enjoyed going to the gym, panting, being around his family and attending Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue.

He is now a regular user of the Aspire Gym, in Stanmore, a centre which is mainly used by disabled people.

He said: “It’s a truly wonderful place, the facilities there are fantastic.”

Can you help Dr Peysner raise the money he needs? Click here.