When well-known Fakenham musician Roger Daniel collapsed with a stroke at his front door, he was 30 minutes away from almost certain death.But now, thanks to the prompt action of an ambulance crew, he is back at home and recovering.

When well-known Fakenham musician Roger Daniel collapsed with a stroke at his front door, he was 30 minutes away from almost certain death.

But now, thanks to the prompt action of an ambulance crew, he is back at home and recovering.

Mr Daniel's wife, Christine, said her husband is back at their Heron Close home after 10 weeks in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at King's Lynn.

“Roger is in good spirits and is very positive and determined and we are trying to settle into our new little world,” she said.

She has been told that, had her husband not been discovered for another 30 minutes, he would probably not have survived.

She wrote to the East of England Ambulance Service praising the prompt actions of the crew that she believes probably saved her husband's life after she arrived home and found her husband had collapsed at their door.

“I can't praise their actions highly enough,” she said.

Unfortunately 65-year-old Mr Daniel's condition has meant that he has had to resign from his post as organist of Fakenham parish church and from other commitments he undertakes as a musical director and music teacher.

He was also to have been musical director for the seasonal pantomime, Robin Hood, by the Great Ryburgh Players later this month but the show has now been cancelled.

“We are obviously concerned that Roger has suffered a stroke but pleased to hear of his progress. We have decided that we had no choice but to cancel this year's event but are aiming to be back again next year,” said the group's secretary Jayne Cubitt.

Mr Daniel will continue to have physiotherapy and occupational therapy and is having carers at home to help him during the week.

Mrs Daniel said her husband, a retired dentist, is now looking at pursuing new interests and has taken up drawing and painting again.

“Roger is now walking with the aid of a stick and obviously can't drive so I am able to take him out so that he has a change of scenery. We know that we will have to take things slowly and see how his condition improves but we know it could have been much worse,” said Mrs Daniel.

She said they have both been supported by the many cards and messages from people in the town and surrounding villages. “That has been really kind of everyone and has helped lift our spirits,” she said.

t Anyone interested in helping with the musical direction of the Ryburgh Players pantomime next year is asked to contact the group's secretary Jayne Cubitt on 01328 855863.

t To you have a story to tell? Contact the Dereham Times on 01362 854701.