GUTSY Stourbridge meningitis survivor Robert Parsons has completed a 10K charity walk in aid of two causes close to his heart.

Robert, who had to have his arms and legs amputated after he was struck down with the deadly disease at the age of just 18, completed Bionic Bob's 10K Walk on Sunday (July 17) in style, accompanied by former Mayor and Mayoress of Dudley - Councillor Steve Waltho and his wife Jayne.

The 34-year-old from Norton had organised the event to help gives charities Meningitis Now and Stourbridge's Mary Stevens Hospice a boost - and to show his supporters how far he's come since his life was changed forever 16 years ago.

So far, his brave efforts look to have raised more than £1,500 - with donations still coming in.

He told the News: "It all went really well and I'm really happy with the amount raised so far; everyone's been amazing."

Rob, a former van driver's mate at Geoff Hill Electrical Superstore in Amblecote, always hoped to be able to give something back and say thank you to those who rallied to raise £180,000 for a fund set up by his former boss Geoff Hill - which has helped him to buy prosthetic legs and a specially-adapted car.

Geoff Hill and his wife Sue turned out to meet Rob at Mary Stevens Hospice - the half-way point on the walk which started and finished at Geoff Hill Electrical Superstore, and the couple said of his achievement: "We are so proud of him."

Stourbridge News:

Rob, who was also joined by past and present staff members from Geoff Hill's shop, had been hoping for a typical British summer kind of a day to help him get through the challenge but the sun shone brightly and temperatures soared.

He said: "It was quite hard going at the end with the heat, but we made it."

Anyone wishing to boost Rob's sponsorship total further can make a donation online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RobParsons

As well as taking on the walk challenge, Rob has also been learning to run in new carbon fibre prosthetic legs - inspired by Paralympic athlete Richard Whitehead.

See him in training. Watch his video below.