STEVE Fitter refused to take a back seat in life after suffering a major stroke in June 2013, which left him unable to speak.

The 56-year-old project manager from Lodge Park initially had no movement at all down his right hand side, such was the impact from the stroke.

But He was determined to hit back.

Having always been involved in sport through running, swimming and long distance cycling, he set up a year long fundraising project called Project Banana for the Stroke Association together with son Antony and his wife Jennifer.

Within five months of Mr Fitter's stroke, they all took part in the Birmingham Half Marathon.

Since then, between the three of them, they've competed in a number of endurance competitions.

Antony has even tackled a full Ironman event in addition to running the London Marathon.

They also staged a quiz night at The Fleece pub in Crabbs Cross and raised more than £600.

In total, they have raised £2,590 throughout the year for the Stroke Association.

Their commitment has now been recognised at a special celebratory event that took place at Birmingham's ICC last week when Steve and Antony were nominated for the Fundraiser of the Year award by Stroke Recovery Service co-ordinator Joanne Hoy who helped support Steve on his road to recovery.

The pair received a Highly Commended certificate which was presented to them on the evening by Slade lead guitarist Dave Hill.

Antony said: "The Stroke Association played a big part in my dad's recovery.

"He travelled the world through his work but was told at one point he would never walk again following his stroke. It had a massive impact on his life.

"By creating Project Banana, we hoped to raise awareness of stroke and also help raise vital funds at the same time for the Stroke Association to help them continue the important work which they do."

Antony has been forced to take a back seat following a new addition to his family but added: "We hope to do more for the Stroke Association in the future."

Meanwhile, Steve continues to clock up the miles as a member of Arrow Valley Runners in Redditch and regularly takes part in a Park Run evetn at Arrow Valley every Saturday morning.