Walsall UKIP candidate stands in General Election after suffering stroke
A UKIP candidate is standing for election just months after suffering a stroke.
Derek Bennett, who is contesting the Walsall South constituency, was hit by the life-threatening condition in November but is now campaigning in his sixth General Election.
He said: "When I had the stroke that took my right side just six months ago I thought I would have to stop all political activity. Happily for me, thanks to the dedication and help from the doctors, nurses and physiotherapist all working for the NHS, I have made a speedy recovery and returned to work and normal life, I owe a lot to the NHS and its brilliant staff."
He first stood for the Referendum Party in 1997 before standing for UKIP in Walsall South during the 2001, 2005, 2010 and 2015 General Elections.
"This General Election, no matter what the results, will be the best as it was the one I did not think I would be well enough to campaign in," he said.
Walsall UKIP councillor Liz Hazell, who is standing in Walsall North, said: "When Derek had his stroke I visited him in hospital and all of us in UKIP in Walsall were worried he would not be active again, however, he has made a rapid recovery and our Walsall UKIP branch had no hesitation selecting him as our Walsall South parliamentary candidate again."
