WILF Dobinson could not have been prouder as he watched his younger Downs Syndrome brother Peter make the bravest walk of his life across the council chamber in Crook.
Just a few months ago 43-year-old Peter was sent home to die when surgeons gave up hope of operating on a tumour at the back of his skull.
It was a bleak time for Wilf and his family as he struggled to cope with his official duties as chairman of the Wear Valley District.
Happily, specialists at Middlesbrough General Hospital then agreed to go ahead in February and their faith was rewarded when Peter not only survived the operation but made such a rapid recovery that he was able to leave his wheelchair to accept a cheque from Wilf on behalf of the Wear Valley Attenders Association day centre he attends.
There was applause and cheering as Peter accepted the £4,333 gift.
Wilf told colleagues: "This time last year he was given up for dead and they sent him home to die. But his will to live has amazed us all."
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